Mets, WFAN parting ways after season

NEW YORK -- The Mets will cease broadcasting games on WFAN after this season, chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon confirmed Tuesday, calling it "fairly accurate" that the Mets and WFAN will break their relationship, which has lasted more than a quarter-century. WFAN has owned the franchise's radio rights since the station's launch in 1987.

Wilpon acknowledged that the Mets expect to cut ties with the station. Newsday reported that ESPN radio and Clear Channel Communications (WOR) are possible landing spots for the Mets.

"There's nothing definitive yet, but it's fairly accurate," Wilpon said during a visit to an New York firehouse Tuesday, adding that he expects a resolution in approximately six weeks. "Right now we're still negotiating with numerous parties about what we're going to do with our radio rights."

One of the nation's sports talk radio pioneers, WFAN has broadcast Mets games for 27 seasons, with play-by-play man Howie Rose calling the games for the vast majority of that time. Color commentator Josh Lewin joined the broadcast team prior to last season.

"It's not a surprise at all," Wilpon said of the Mets' forthcoming split with their longtime flagship station. "We've been working on things for quite a while."