MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois Athletics is set to receive expanded television exposure this basketball season as Gray Media announced a new agreement with the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) to broadcast league games across 20 of its markets in five states. As part of the OVC's multi-year contract with ESPN, all broadcasts will also stream live nationwide on ESPN+ and be available through the ESPN App with no digital blackouts.

For Leatherneck fans across Illinois, the partnership ensures increased visibility for both Western Illinois men's and women's basketball throughout the winter. Gray's Illinois markets—Peoria, Quincy, and Rockford—will air select OVC matchups featuring WIU and fellow conference member Eastern Illinois. The expanded footprint gives Leatherneck supporters more ways than ever to follow the team on the road and at home.

The agreement also enhances coverage across the conference, with Gray bringing OVC basketball to viewers in Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky. Gray's Tennessee Valley Sports & Entertainment Network will highlight Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, and UT Martin, while Gray's Matrix Midwest stations in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau will feature Southeast Missouri, SIUE, and Lindenwood. Additional coverage will reach fans of Southern Indiana and Morehead State, with plans to add a third-party partner for Little Rock broadcasts.

Western Illinois is slated for multiple appearances throughout the package, including both men's and women's games. The tentative broadcast schedule currently features the following Leatherneck matchups:

Tentative WIU Broadcast Schedule

• Thursday, Dec. 18 – Western Illinois at Lindenwood, 5 p.m. CT (Doubleheader)

• Saturday, Jan. 24 – Western Illinois at Southern Indiana, 1 p.m. CT (Women's)

• Saturday, Jan. 31 – UT Martin at Western Illinois, 3:30 p.m. CT (Men's)

Additional OVC games are included in the full schedule released by Gray Media. Not all markets will carry every game; fans are encouraged to check local listings for broadcast times and availability.

"The Ohio Valley Conference continues to expand coverage for our teams. With this agreement, local fans will now have the opportunity to watch some of our games on local stations, and that is exciting for us and our fans," shared athletic director Paul A. Bubb. 

With expanded broadcast coverage in place, Leatherneck fans will have plenty of opportunities to follow both programs as the season heats up. The WIU women's team returns to action on Nov. 17 when they host Chicago State, while the men's squad prepares for a featured home matchup on Nov. 17 against Coe College. As the conference season builds, Leatherneck supporters can stay connected all winter long through Gray Media's coverage and ESPN+.

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