Wah nee nah nah: Matt Jones signed a five-year extension to keep KSR on air

Kentucky Sports Radio’s morning radio show locked in another five years with iHeartRadio. Matt Jones announced on Tuesday’s show that he signed a five-year extension to keep hosting KSR through the end of 2029, meaning more KSR each weekday morning from 10-12, more pregame and postgame shows, more Friday remotes, more cross-country road trips, and more UK sports (and other things) in the most ridiculous manner possible.

I am excited to announce that I have signed a new 5 year deal with iHeart Media to extend Kentucky Sports Radio through the end of 2029!

As we approach our 15th anniversary of KSR Radio (and 20th of KSR) in Sept, I am thrilled to keep the train rolling for more years to come! pic.twitter.com/l1ro2fwc8p

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 25, 2025

“Our fifteenth anniversary was in September, so this will basically take us to our twentieth,” Matt said at the beginning of Tuesday’s show. “I’m excited to continue going.”

Hear Matt Jones explain the decision

For more on Matt’s new deal and commitment to five more years, listen to the first hour of Tuesday’s show when he explains the decision to re-sign with iHeart and continue hosting KSR for another half-decade. Admittedly, the resurgence of Big Blue Nation and the Mark Pope revolution around Kentucky Basketball played a major role in his decision to keep going.

“Listen, it’s a new era, and it’s exciting,” he said of the current times and what’s to come for the Wildcats.

iHeart’s Press Release

IHEARTMEDIA KENTUCKY AND TOP ON-AIR PERSONALITY MATT JONES ANNOUNCE NEW LONG-TERM CONTRACT

Kentucky – February 25, 2025 – iHeartMedia today announced an exclusive long-term agreement with Kentucky personality Matt Jones to renew and expand his relationship with the company. Under the new 5-year agreement, Matt Jones will continue his current role as host of “Kentucky Sports Radio” on NewsRadio 630 WLAP-AM in Lexington, SportsTalk 790-AM in Louisville and 51 other stations around Kentucky.

Matt Jones is a 15-year radio veteran at “Kentucky Sports Radio” and has been a staple in the sports broadcasting landscape, providing fans with in-depth analysis, lively discussions and exclusive interviews. “Kentucky Sports Radio” is the #1 local sports podcast in America. The renewed contract ensures that listeners will continue to enjoy the high-quality programming they have come to expect.

“We are incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Matt Jones and Kentucky Sports Radio,” said Kristy Beebe, Area President for iHeartMedia Kentucky/Memphis. “Matt’s unique insights and engaging style have made him a beloved figure in the sports community, and we are proud to continue bringing his show to our dedicated audience. This renewal underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch sports content and maintaining our position as the leading audio company in the region.”

Matt Jones and Kentucky Sports Radio has been a part of many public events including NCAA Tournament Championships and Final Fours, GOP and Democratic Conventions, U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, and even a live show at The White House in Washington D.C.

Other industry-spanning projects Jones has been a part of in his accomplished career include raising over $2 million in flood relief for Eastern Kentucky, “Wrestlers” on Netflix, “Hey Kentucky!” on WLEX TV, author of “Mitch Please!” and Sunday Morning ESPN Radio Host.

“Matt Jones and Kentucky Sports Radio is a daily must listen for Wildcat sports fans. His passionate commentary and analysis on the Cats along with his special connection to the listeners and communities around the Commonwealth is unmatched. We’re excited to continue our relationship with Matt for another five years!” said Gus Allen, Program Director WLAP-AM and WKRD-AM.

Jones has interviewed many notable figures including University of Kentucky Head Basketball Coaches Mark Pope, John Calipari and Rick Pitino, University of Kentucky Head Football Coaches Mark Stoops and Joker Phillips, Vice President J.D. Vance, comedian Nate Bargatze, tennis great Roger Federer and Governor Andy Beshear.

“I’m thrilled to be hitting the 15-year mark with Kentucky Sports Radio. It’s been an amazing ride, and I couldn’t have done it without our awesome listeners and the fantastic KSR team. I’m excited to keep this journey with iHeart going for another five years and can’t wait to bring you more fun, insights and all things Kentucky sports. Thanks for sticking with us, and here’s to many more great years ahead.” said Matt Jones.

In addition to currently broadcasting on 53 affiliates across Kentucky, “Kentucky Sports Radio” is also available on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio mobile app, iHeartMedia’s all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service.

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Kentucky market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – available across more than 500 platforms and over 2,000 devices including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles.

About iHeartMedia Kentucky

iHeartMedia Kentucky owns and operates WBUL-FM, WBUL-HD2, WMXL-FM, WLKT-FM, WLKT-HD, WKQQ-FM, WWTF-FM/AM, WLAP, AM, WAMZ-FM, WSDF-F, WTFX-FM, WNRW-FM, WKJK-AM, WHAS-AM, WKRD-AM, WQMF_FM, WJQQ-FM, WSEK-FM, WSEK-AM, WLLK-FM, WSFC-AM and is part of iHeartMedia. iHeartMedia, [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with 90% of Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.