Calgary Flames Search New Radio Home After Sportsnet 960 Shutdown

Calgary Flames are scrambling to secure a new radio partner after Sportsnet 960 was abruptly taken off the air, leaving the team without a traditional broadcast home for the 2026‑27 season. As of July 9, 2026, the Flames sit 14th in the Western Conference with a 34‑39 record and a one‑game winning streak, so keeping fans connected is more urgent than ever.

What triggered the sudden loss of Flames radio?

The surprise came on Tuesday when Sportsnet 960 announced it would cease operations, ending its role as Calgary’s sole all‑sports station. Sean Kelso, the Flames’ vice‑president of communications, told CTV’s Damien Wood the organization was “blindsided.” In a Daily Hive statement Kelso wrote, “We just received the news. We will formulate a plan for our broadcast and share that when we have more information.” The shutdown also ended radio coverage for the WHL’s Wranglers, the AHL’s Hitmen and even the Toronto Blue Jays.

Which stations could pick up the Flames broadcast?

One realistic candidate is 770 CHQR, owned by Corus Entertainment. The broadcaster has struggled lately, but adding the Flames, Wranglers and Hitmen could revive its ad revenue. Another possibility is 1010 CBR, a CBC‑affiliated AM outlet that already carries local sports content. Both stations have the technical capacity to simulcast games, but negotiations are still in early stages.

Could the Flames go digital instead of traditional radio?

The team might follow the Anaheim Ducks’ example and launch a dedicated streaming audio service. Ducks Stream offers a 24/7 channel with live games, podcasts and news, all for free. A Flames‑run platform would let fans tune in via smartphones, smart speakers or the team’s website, bypassing the need for an AM frequency altogether. The league has been supportive of digital audio experiments, so the Flames could test a pilot before committing long‑term.

How will the change affect fans and the local media landscape?

Calgary’s sports‑media ecosystem has been reshaped overnight. Hundreds of Sportsnet 960 staffers lost their jobs, and listeners now face uncertainty about where to hear game action. If CHQR or CBR steps in, fans will need new dial‑in numbers and possibly different broadcast schedules. A streaming option would require reliable internet, which could alienate some traditional radio listeners. The Flames’ communications team promises regular updates, but the timeline remains vague.

What’s the next step for the organization?

Kelso indicated the Flames are actively exploring all avenues and will announce a solution once a partner is secured. In the meantime, the team’s social media channels are fielding questions from supporters eager for clarity. The urgency is clear: with the season already underway, the Flames can’t afford a communication blackout. Fans will be watching closely to see whether a local AM station or a modern streaming service becomes the new home for their beloved club’s game‑day audio.