UM names WABI-TV as flagship

The Bangor television station having the longest association with University of Maine sports has injected some continuity back into the equation.

The university and WABI (Channel 5) announced Thursday that WABI has secured exclusive TV rights to Black Bear sports for the next three years. That will mean the Bears and WABI will remain together at least eight straight years and possibly 10.

“It’s a great time to continue our long association with University of Maine sports and we’re excited to be around with them for another three years or more,” said WABI general manager Mike Young.

The contract calls for WABI to air at least 10 live games per year and gives the station exclusive TV rights to all UMaine sports, although Young indicated his station’s primary focus will be on hockey, men’s and women’s basketball, and football.

“We don’t know what the schedule will look like because most haven’t been finalized yet, but it looks like we’ll probably end up with four or so football games this fall,” Young explained.

Young declined to reveal the total value of the three-year deal, which takes effect in September and could expand to five if WABI activates both option years. In the last contract, WABI provided $60,000 worth of promotional air time on the station to UMaine plus a special program on Harold Alfond Stadium and Morse Field.

Unlike four years ago, when WABI secured rights in a joint bid with Portland stations WPXT (Ch. 51) and WPME (Ch. 35), this contract does not require WABI to do at least 16 game broadcasts per year and does not involve a broadcast partner.

Young hopes WABI will be able to pick up broadcast partners in Portland and/or Presque Isle (WAGM) in the coming months. WABI may also team up with out-of-state stations.