TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State University Athletics will launch the RiverHawks Radio Network for the 2026-27 athletic season through partnerships in the Tahlequah and Tulsa areas.
Starting this fall, NSU football and basketball games will air live on ESPN 99.9 FM/1550 AM in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow markets. This marks the first time since 2011 that live NSU athletics broadcasts will be available in the greater Tulsa metropolitan area.
In addition, new episodes of The Darrin Chiaverini Show and The NSU Basketball Coaches Show will air weekly during their respective seasons on 97.1 The Sports Animal, reaching audiences across eastern Oklahoma.
"We are proud to announce an expanded media partnership across the state of Oklahoma through the Sports Animal in Tulsa," Director of Athletics John Sisemore said. "This expansion will allow NSU to connect with its largest alumni base, strengthen engagement, and keep our supporters informed and energized around NSU Athletics."
The new partnership with The Sports Animal will additionally see head football coach Darrin Chiaverini make weekly appearances during football season on The Pat Jones Show. Head men's basketball coach Ja Havens and head women's basketball coach Keith Ferguson will each make monthly appearances during basketball season.
The Pat Jones Show airs weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 97.1 The Sports Animal and is hosted by Pat Jones, former Oklahoma State head football coach and Oklahoma Sports and Gator Bowl Hall of Famer.
Lakes Country 102.1 will continue to air NSU football and basketball games, along with both coaches' shows, serving listeners in Tahlequah and surrounding communities. The upcoming season marks the third straight year of NSU athletics coverage on Lakes Country.
"Northeastern State University is excited to renew our partnership with Lakes Country as our hometown voice," Sisemore said. "Their continued support has played a vital role in bringing the excitement of NSU Athletics to our community."
The "Voice of the RiverHawks" Orry Phillips will be on the call for all NSU football and men's and women's basketball games and will host both coaches' shows.
Partnership opportunities remain available for a full season or a single game and can be tailored to a range of marketing budgets. This includes, but is not limited to radio spots that can be aired during live programming. For more information about partnership opportunities, contact phill144@nsuok.edu.
