You’re stuck in the Lincoln Tunnel. The rain is coming down in sheets, and Jalen Brunson just hit a step-back three to put the Knicks up by two in the fourth quarter. You can't see the screen. You shouldn't be looking at a screen anyway. This is exactly why knowing where to find the Knicks on radio station dials across the tri-state area matters more than most people think. Radio isn't dead; it's just the only way to survive New York traffic while the Blue and Orange are fighting for a playoff seed.
If you grew up listening to the legendary Marv Albert, you know that radio is the soul of New York basketball. There is a specific rhythm to it. The squeak of the sneakers, the roar of the Garden crowd, and the frantic pace of the play-by-play announcer trying to keep up with a fast break. Currently, the flagship home for the New York Knicks is 98.7 ESPN New York (WEPN-FM). But it’s not always that simple. Depending on where you are or what’s happening with the Rangers, you might find yourself scrolling through the AM band or fumbling with an app.
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The MSG Radio Network Dynamics
The New York Knicks are the centerpiece of the MSG Radio Network. While 98.7 FM is the big name, the relationship between the team and the station is evolving. It’s important to understand that the "Knicks on radio station" experience is actually a massive web of affiliates. If you’re driving up to Albany or out on the tip of Long Island, 98.7 might start to fuzz out. That’s when you need the secondary options.
Mike Crispino and Ed Cohen have been the voices guiding fans through the dark years and the recent resurgence. Alongside analysts like Brendan Brown or Monica McNutt, the radio broadcast often provides a much more granular level of detail than the TV broadcast. Why? Because they have to paint the picture. When you’re listening to the Knicks on radio station 98.7, you aren't just hearing the score. You're hearing the defensive rotations and the specific frustrations of the coaching staff.
What Happens During Conflicts?
Here is where it gets tricky for the casual listener. New York is a crowded sports town. Sometimes the Knicks play at the same time as the New York Rangers. When both teams are on the schedule, the Knicks usually take precedence on the FM dial (98.7 FM), while the Rangers get bumped to 1050 AM (WEPN-AM). However, this isn't a hard and fast rule. Post-season priority often dictates who gets the "clearer" signal.
Honestly, if you can’t find the game on 98.7, your first move should always be to check 1050 AM. It’s the sister station. It’s lower quality audio—that old-school static-heavy grit—but the play-by-play is identical.
The Digital Shift: Apps and Streaming
Let’s be real. Not everyone has a physical radio anymore. Most of us are using our phones. If you are trying to stream the Knicks on radio station feeds, you have a few specific hurdles. Because of NBA broadcasting rights, you can’t always just go to a station’s website and hit "play."
The ESPN New York App is the most direct way to listen if you’re within the local blackout radius. If you are outside of the New York market, you might get "dead air" or syndicated national programming because the local station doesn't own the global streaming rights for the NBA. In that case, NBA League Pass offers a radio-only subscription that is surprisingly cheap. It’s a lifesaver for displaced New Yorkers living in Florida or California who still want that local Garden energy.
Why the Radio Broadcast Hits Different
There’s a certain intimacy to radio. On TV, Mike Breen is a legend, but he’s talking to millions. The radio crew feels like they’re sitting in the passenger seat with you. They call out the "non-box score" stuff. They notice when Julius Randle is limping slightly before the trainer even gets off the bench. They catch the trash talk near the broadcast table.
Listening to the Knicks on radio station outlets also means you get the post-game show. This is where the real New York happens. The callers. The raw emotion. After a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer, there is nothing quite like hearing "Vinny from Queens" lose his mind on the airwaves. It’s therapy. It’s community.
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Signal Strength and Suburban Affiliates
If you're outside the five boroughs, the 98.7 signal can be a bit finicky. It’s a powerful transmitter, but New York geography is a nightmare for FM waves. If you're heading North, look for WPTR 1240 AM in the Capital Region. If you’re heading toward the Jersey Shore, you might pick up the game on various local ESPN affiliates.
The "Knicks on radio station" search isn't just about one frequency; it's about knowing the network.
- WEPN-FM 98.7: The primary home for most games.
- WEPN-AM 1050: The backup, usually for conflict nights or secondary coverage.
- SiriusXM: Channel 80 or the specific NBA channels (usually in the 200s or 300s) carry the home and away feeds.
- TuneIn Radio: Sometimes carries the feed, but often subject to those annoying geographic blackouts.
The Future of Knicks Radio
There’s been a lot of talk lately about ESPN New York potentially moving away from the 98.7 FM signal entirely. As of 2024 and 2025, the landscape is shifting toward digital-first distribution. What does this mean for you? It means you should probably have the Audacy app or the ESPN New York app downloaded and ready to go.
Even if the physical dial changes, the brand won't. The Knicks on radio station 98.7 has become a staple of the city's identity. Losing that FM presence would be a massive blow to the "commuter culture" that defines New York sports fandom. But for now, that signal remains the heartbeat of the Garden for anyone who can't be there in person.
Troubleshooting Your Connection
Nothing is worse than hearing static during a tie game. If your signal is fading, try these quick fixes:
First, if you're in a car, turn off your "HD Radio" setting. Sometimes the digital HD signal tries to lock on and fails, causing the audio to cut in and out. Forcing the radio to stay on the analog FM signal can actually give you a more consistent (if slightly less crisp) experience.
Second, if you're using an app and it keeps buffering, switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data. Public Wi-Fi is often too slow for a live sports stream, and that 30-second delay will result in you getting a "GOAL" notification on your phone before you hear the play happen on the radio.
Actionable Steps for the Next Game
Don't wait until tip-off to figure this out. The Knicks move fast, and the broadcast starts 30 minutes before the ball is in the air.
- Program your presets: Set Button 1 to 98.7 FM and Button 2 to 1050 AM.
- Download the App: Get the ESPN New York app and create an account. It bypasses some of the browser-based location errors.
- Check the Schedule: Look at the Rangers schedule. If they play at the same time, prepare to dial over to the AM side.
- Sync the Audio: If you’re watching the game on a muted TV (maybe at a loud bar) and want the radio audio, use the "delay" feature on apps like TuneIn to sync the radio call with the TV picture. It takes some practice but it's worth it.
The Knicks are in a window of contention. Every game matters. Whether you're listening to the Knicks on radio station 98.7 while working a late shift or catching the highlights on the ride home, the radio remains the most reliable, visceral way to experience New York basketball. Keep the dial tuned, keep the battery charged, and keep your ears open for the sound of the Garden.