Ayrton Oneill
Basketball fans in Illinois can listen to coverage of the Fighting Illini on WLS-AM 890, a radio station that has been broadcasting to Chicagoland and beyond for over 90 years. The station covers both the men's and women's teams, with the former earning their fifth straight NCAA Tournament bid in 2025, and the latter heading to their second NCAA Tournament in three seasons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Radio Station | WLS-AM 890 |
| Description | Powerful and legendary radio station that has entertained and informed Chicagoland and America for over 90 years |
| Teams | Fighting Illini |
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What You'll Learn
WLS-AM 890 radio station
WLS-AM 890 is a radio station that has been broadcasting to the Chicagoland area and beyond for over 90 years. The station covers a range of sports, including basketball, and is the place to go for Illinois basketball fans.
The station covers both the men's and women's Illinois basketball teams, known as the Fighting Illini. For example, in March 2025, WLS-AM 890 reported on the Illinois Men's Basketball team earning their fifth straight NCAA Tournament bid. The station also celebrated the Illinois Women's Basketball team heading to its second NCAA Tournament in three seasons.
WLS-AM 890 also provides coverage of the games themselves. In March 2025, the station reported on the Fighting Illini's first NCAA Tournament win since 2000, as they soared past Creighton to advance to the second round. The station also covers other sports, such as football, and provides updates on local Chicago news and events.
Listeners can tune in to WLS-AM 890 on their radios in the Chicagoland area or stream the station live on their computers, smartphones, tablets, or smart speakers. The station also has a mobile app, allowing listeners to take WLS-AM with them wherever they go.
With its long history and comprehensive sports coverage, WLS-AM 890 has become a go-to source for Illinois basketball fans, keeping them informed and entertained with every game.
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NCAA Tournament appearances
The Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team has a long and illustrious history when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. They have made frequent appearances over the years, with a total of 31 NCAA Tournament bids as of 2023. Their first invitation to the tournament was in 1942, and they have since established themselves as a regular contender, often making deep runs and capturing the attention of fans across the nation.
The Fighting Illini have reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament on five occasions: 1949, 1951, 1952, 1989, and 2005. This consistency underscores the program's sustained success and its ability to reload and remain competitive across different generations of players and coaching staffs. The 2005 season was particularly memorable, as Illinois started the season with a perfect 29–0 record and ended up reaching the National Championship game, ultimately falling just short to the North Carolina Tar Heels.
In addition to their Final Four appearances, the Fighting Illini have claimed several other notable achievements in the NCAA Tournament. They have won their conference, the Big Ten, on numerous occasions, earning them automatic bids to the tournament. They have also accumulated a total of 37 wins in the NCAA Tournament, which is a testament to their ability to perform under the bright lights of March Madness.
The Illini have a rich history of producing talented players who have gone on to have successful NBA careers, such as Dee Brown, Deron Williams, and Luther Head from that memorable 2005 team. The program has also been led by renowned coaches, including Lou Henson, who guided the team to 21 NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure. Overall, the Illinois Fighting Illini have left an indelible mark on the NCAA Tournament landscape, and their fans always eagerly anticipate their annual pursuit of basketball glory.
You can listen to the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball games on various radio stations across Illinois. These include WDWS 1400 AM and WHMS 97.5 FM in Champaign, WLS 890 AM in Chicago, and a network of other stations across the state. These broadcasts provide fans with the opportunity to follow the team's progress throughout the season, including any thrilling NCAA Tournament runs.
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Illinois Men's and Women's Basketball
The Fighting Illini men's team has had a successful few years, earning its fifth straight NCAA Tournament bid in 2025. The team has seen individual success too, with Cho winning Freshman of the Year in 2025, the third Illini in the program's history to do so. The men's team has also enjoyed success in the Big Ten Championships, coming sixth in 2025.
The women's team has also had a strong run of form, qualifying for its second NCAA Tournament in three years in 2025.
Both teams have a strong following and their games are often well-attended. The men's team, in particular, has a large and passionate fan base, with many supporters tuning into WLS-AM 890 to listen to game broadcasts and regular shows, such as The Brad Underwood Show.
The radio station provides a great service to fans of Illinois basketball, allowing them to keep up with their team's progress and stay connected to the program even if they are unable to attend games in person.
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Illinois Fighting Illini
The Fighting Illini radio broadcasts air on WLS-AM 890, a radio station that has been broadcasting for over 90 years. The station covers Illinois basketball, with the Illini earning their fifth straight NCAA Tournament bid. The Illinois women's basketball team has also had success, heading to its second NCAA Tournament in three seasons.
WLS-AM 890 covers a variety of Fighting Illini sports, including wrestling. Lucas Byrd became the 21st Fighting Illini wrestler to win a national championship and earned the program its 25th individual national title.
In addition to WLS-AM 890, Fighting Illini sports can also be heard on Now 100.7, providing fans with another option to follow their favorite teams.
The Fighting Illini have had success in various sports, with the men's basketball team advancing to the NCAA Tournament second round and the women's basketball team also achieving NCAA Tournament success. The wrestling program has also excelled, with Lucas Byrd winning a national championship.
Fans of the Fighting Illini can tune in to WLS-AM 890 or Now 100.7 to follow their favorite teams and stay up-to-date with the latest news, scores, and achievements of the Fighting Illini athletic programs. These radio stations provide comprehensive coverage of Illinois athletics, keeping fans engaged and excited throughout the season.
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Illinois basketball players and awards
The Fighting Illini can be heard on WLS-AM 890, a radio station that has been broadcasting for over 90 years.
In 2025, the Illinois men's basketball team earned their fifth straight NCAA Tournament bid, while the women's team headed to its second NCAA Tournament in three seasons.
The same year, Will Riley had his 5th 20-point game of the season, tying Kofi Cockburn, Giorgi Bezhanishvili, and Trent Frazier. Riley was also named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.
Cho was named Freshman of the Year, becoming the third Illini in the program's history to win the award.
Other notable players include Morez Johnson Jr., a top-tier rebounder and excellent interior defensive presence, and Lucas Byrd, who won the NCAA Finals at 133 pounds.
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Frequently asked questions
WLS-AM 890.
WLS-AM 890.
890 AM.
WLS-AM 890.
Over 90 years.
