You're stuck on the 405, the sun is dipping behind the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Los Angeles Kings are about to drop the puck. For decades, that meant turning a knob to a specific AM frequency and hearing the iconic voice of Nick Nickson. But things changed. Fast. If you’re still hunting for the game on your old presets and hitting nothing but static, you aren't alone. The way we consume Los Angeles Kings radio has undergone a digital revolution that actually makes life easier—once you know where the signal went.
The Digital Shift: Where Did the Radio Go?
Let's be real: traditional terrestrial radio is a fickle beast in Southern California. Between the canyons and the concrete, AM signals have a habit of disappearing exactly when a power play starts. A few seasons back, the Kings made a bold move by leaning heavily into the LA Kings Audio Network. Instead of tethering themselves to a single transmitter that might not reach the Inland Empire, they built a digital home on iHeartRadio.
Honestly, it was a smart play. You’ve basically got a 24/7 hockey station in your pocket now. It isn't just the live game; it’s a constant stream of interviews, classic game replays, and "Kings Talk." But if you’re a purist who needs that "over-the-air" feel, don't throw your radio out yet. ESPN LA 710 AM is the primary home for games when you’re driving.
Here is the thing people miss: not every game is on 710 AM. Sometimes schedules clash with the Lakers or Rams. When that happens, the digital stream is your only lifeline. You've gotta have the iHeartRadio app or the LA Kings App ready to go. It’s free, which is the best price, and the audio quality is ten times better than the fuzzy AM signal we grew up with.
The New Voice: Life After Nick Nickson
We have to talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the voice missing from it. For 44 years, Nick Nickson was the soundtrack of Kings hockey. He was the guy who told us the "long wait is over" in 2012. He retired at the end of the 2024-25 season, and for a lot of us, it felt like losing a family member.
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Entering the 2025-26 season, the booth looks different. The Kings brought in John Kelly as the lead play-by-play announcer. If that name sounds familiar, it should. John is the son of the legendary Dan Kelly and actually called Kings games back in the late 80s and early 90s. It’s a full-circle moment.
But radio is a different beast than TV. While the team often uses a simulcast model—where the TV audio is what you hear on the stream—they've made sure to keep Daryl Evans heavily involved. Daryl is a fan favorite for a reason. His energy is infectious, and he sees things on the ice that most of us miss while we’re shouting at the refs.
Who is in the Booth Now?
- John Kelly: Lead Play-by-Play. He’s got that classic, booming hockey voice.
- Jim Fox: Primarily the TV analyst, but his insights often bleed into the simulcast. He knows the game's x's and o's better than anyone in the building.
- Daryl Evans: The primary radio analyst. He’s the bridge between the old guard and the new era.
- Josh Schaefer: You'll hear him on the ESPN LA 710 side of things, especially when TV and radio schedules diverge. He’s a rising star in the organization.
How to Listen: A Practical Guide
It shouldn't be a chore to find the game. If you're looking for Los Angeles Kings radio, here is the breakdown of your options for the current 2025-26 season.
- The iHeartRadio App: Search for "LA Kings Audio Network." This is the gold standard. It works everywhere—your phone, your Tesla, your smart fridge.
- ESPN LA 710 AM: This is your "old school" option. It’s great for the car, provided you’re within the signal radius.
- The LA Kings App: There is a "Listen" button right on the home screen. It just triggers the iHeart stream, but it's a handy shortcut.
- SiriusXM: If you have a subscription, the Kings are usually on channel 932 (the dedicated NHL feed). This is perfect if you’re road-tripping through the desert where cell service dies.
- TuLiga Radio (1330 AM): For Spanish speakers, the Kings have a fantastic broadcast. It’s high-energy and adds a totally different flavor to the game.
Why Radio Still Matters in a Video World
You might wonder why anyone bothers with Los Angeles Kings radio when you can just stream the game on FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports). It comes down to the "theater of the mind." Hockey is the fastest sport on earth. A good radio announcer doesn't just tell you where the puck is; they tell you how much tension is in the air.
There's something special about listening to a game while you're working in the garage or grilling in the backyard. You don't have to be glued to a screen. You can live your life and still feel every hit and every glove save. Plus, the post-game show, Kings Talk, is where the real fans hang out. Hosted by Sam Betesh, it’s the place to vent after a tough loss or celebrate a win against the Ducks. It’s raw, it’s live, and it’s one of the few places where fans still get to have a voice.
Actionable Next Steps for Kings Fans
If you want to make sure you never miss a minute of the action, do these three things right now. First, download the iHeartRadio app and "favorite" the LA Kings Audio Network. It takes ten seconds and solves 90% of your listening problems. Second, if you’re a commuter, program 710 AM into your car's first preset. Even with digital options, having the terrestrial backup is crucial for those basement parking garages. Finally, check the schedule on the official Kings website before the game. They usually list the specific radio affiliate for that night, which is helpful if there’s a conflict with other L.A. sports.
Following the Kings on the radio isn't just about the score. It’s about being part of a community that’s been listening since the Forum days. The voices change, and the technology evolves, but that feeling of a late-night West Coast game through the speakers? That never gets old.