Tennessee Vols fans, big news this morning, WSMV 4, Nashville along with sister stations WVLT and WMC have been named Official Television Stations of the Tennessee Volunteers. The partnership will deliver more television coverage than ever of Vols athletics including a pregame show with familiar voice, Mike Keith.
In a groundbreaking announcement that has thrilled Tennessee Volunteers fans across the state and beyond, the University of Tennessee and its athletic department have officially entered into a partnership with WSMV 4, Nashville, along with its sister stations WVLT and WMC. This new partnership designates these stations as the official television providers for Tennessee Volunteers athletics, significantly expanding the reach and visibility of Vols sports programming. The move represents a major shift in how fans will experience Vols athletics, with more live broadcasts, in-depth coverage, and exclusive shows than ever before.
For years, Tennessee fans have been eager to see their beloved team featured more prominently on television. Whether it’s football, basketball, or any of the other dynamic sports that the Volunteers compete in, the demand for more coverage has always been strong. With this partnership, that demand is set to be more than satisfied, as fans will now have access to expanded coverage on three of the state’s largest television stations. The deal is expected to provide an unprecedented level of access to games, pregame shows, highlight reels, and behind-the-scenes content.
Perhaps the most exciting development for Tennessee fans is the inclusion of a new pregame show, hosted by the voice of the Vols, Mike Keith. Keith, a familiar and beloved figure in Tennessee sports broadcasting, will take the reins of this show, offering fans a preview of each game, in-depth analysis, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and analysts. For many fans, Keith’s involvement is a major draw. His voice has become synonymous with Tennessee football, and the opportunity to experience him in a pregame setting only heightens the excitement around this partnership.
Mike Keith has been a staple of Tennessee football broadcasts for years, earning respect and admiration for his work as the play-by-play announcer for the Vols’ radio network. Known for his energetic and insightful commentary, Keith’s distinctive voice has become one of the most recognizable in college sports. Fans can now look forward to hearing his pregame commentary, adding a sense of familiarity and anticipation to every broadcast.
“It’s truly an honor to be a part of this new venture,” Keith said in a statement. “The University of Tennessee is a special place, and the passion of the Vols fans is unmatched. This new partnership is an exciting opportunity to bring more coverage to the fans who love their teams so much. We’ll have some fun, tell great stories, and break down all the details that fans care about before each and every game.”
This partnership will provide fans with more comprehensive coverage of all Tennessee athletic events, including live broadcasts of games, highlights, and a host of new programming dedicated to the Vols. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport, the Vols’ fans will now be able to tune in and stay connected to their teams like never before. The added coverage of basketball games, especially, is a major win for fans of the men’s and women’s basketball programs, who have seen the Vols make significant strides on the national stage in recent years.
The partnership is not just a victory for the Vols, but also a major move for the WSMV, WVLT, and WMC stations. These stations, known for their widespread reach and local impact, are now aligned with one of the most storied athletic programs in college sports. The ability to broadcast Tennessee games and provide exclusive content is expected to bring an influx of viewers, which will drive ratings and increase the stations’ visibility both locally and statewide.
For the stations, this deal is a natural extension of their long-standing commitment to covering local sports and engaging with Tennessee fans. With this new partnership, the stations can deepen their connection with the community, offering a sense of loyalty and dedication to their audience. The Vols are not just a team—they’re a central part of the state’s identity, and these stations will be there to provide unprecedented access to their every move.
The partnership has been described as a “win-win” for both sides. For Tennessee, the visibility and expanded coverage are crucial as they continue to build their brand and recruit top-tier athletes. With more exposure comes greater fan engagement, which in turn translates to increased attendance, higher television ratings, and potentially larger deals with sponsors and advertisers. For the stations, the access to one of the biggest fanbases in the region offers immense commercial potential.
The pregame show hosted by Mike Keith is just one example of how the stations plan to elevate their coverage. It will feature expert analysis, breaking down matchups, strategies, and the key storylines heading into each game. In addition to that, Keith will offer exclusive interviews with coaches, players, and analysts, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into preparing for a game. This content will help give fans a deeper connection to the team, offering them insights they wouldn’t typically receive through standard game broadcasts.
“The pregame show is going to be a fantastic addition to what we’re already doing with our broadcasts,” said Keith. “It’s not just about analyzing the X’s and O’s; we’ll also be talking about the personal stories of the players, the coaches, and the staff. This is about giving fans a complete picture of what goes into Tennessee football. The energy and excitement around this program is something we all want to be a part of, and I’m thrilled to be able to help bring it to life.”
This partnership also paves the way for increased collaboration between the University of Tennessee and the stations. It creates opportunities for special segments, in-depth feature stories, and player profiles that showcase the stories behind the athletes. Fans can expect more personal narratives about the players, their journeys to Tennessee, and their lives off the field, providing a well-rounded view of their favorite Vols. This kind of storytelling strengthens the emotional connection fans have with the program, creating a deeper sense of loyalty.
The increased television coverage is expected to have a far-reaching impact beyond just the game broadcasts. The expanded reach will likely draw in casual fans who may not otherwise have kept up with Tennessee athletics. With more people tuning in to see the pregame shows, highlights, and exclusive content, Tennessee is likely to see an increase in overall fan engagement and excitement surrounding the program. It also offers a chance to promote other sports within the Tennessee athletic department, including baseball, softball, and women’s sports, all of which have enjoyed increasing success in recent years.
For Coach Josh Heupel and the Tennessee football team, the partnership is a welcome development. Heupel’s high-scoring offense has made Tennessee a national contender in college football, and now, with this expanded television coverage, the program has the opportunity to reach an even wider audience. The team’s success on the field, coupled with this new visibility, could help the Vols secure top-tier recruits and further solidify their place in the national spotlight.
“I’m excited for our fans to have more access to our program,” Coach Heupel said after the announcement. “Tennessee has one of the most passionate fanbases in all of college football, and this partnership gives them more of what they love—an inside look at our team, our culture, and our game day experience. This is another step in building a program that’s going to be competitive for years to come.”
The news has already been met with widespread excitement from Vols fans. Social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions, as fans express their eagerness for more coverage of their team. From the football field to the hardwood, Tennessee fans are excited about the possibility of following their teams more closely than ever before. The partnership represents a significant leap forward for Tennessee athletics, both in terms of visibility and fan engagement, and it has left many wondering what new heights the Vols can reach in the coming years.
In terms of logistics, this deal ensures that Vols fans will never miss a beat, whether they’re at home or on the go. The stations will provide streaming options for fans who can’t make it to games, meaning that even those in far-flung corners of the state will be able to catch all the action. From live game broadcasts to pregame shows and postgame analysis, Tennessee fans will have a front-row seat to every game, no matter where they are.
As the partnership gets underway, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for Tennessee athletics. With Mike Keith leading the charge on pregame coverage and more live broadcasts than ever before, Tennessee fans have every reason to be excited for the future. The Vols’ journey to national prominence is underway, and now, thanks to this partnership, fans can be even more closely involved in the process. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or watching from home, it’s an exciting time to be a Tennessee Vols fan.
