Photo by Jeff Wheeler

The sports shuffle on Twin Cities radio continued Tuesday with the announcement that WCCO radio will sign a four-year deal to cover the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Wild will go from WCCO to KFAN under a three-year contract.The announcement came less than a month after WCCO radio lost all Gophers sports to 1500ESPN and KFAN.

"I think sometimes fresh is good," said Timberwolves president Chris Wright. "We really, really like the fact that the reach of WCCO is incredible. As we grow our franchise, we see ourselves more and more of a regional team."

Except for a two-year experiment with BOB 106 FM, the Wolves had been at KFAN since the team was formed. Wright said Al Horton will remain as the play-by-play announcer when the deal starts next season.

Later today, the Wild and Clear Channel are expected to jointly announce that the Wild will moves its radio broadcasts to KFAN beginning next season. According to sources, the two parties have agreed to a three-year deal. The Wild had been with WCCO since the franchise's 2000 inception. WCCO lost the Vikings almost ten years ago and parted with the Twins in 2007.

With that in mind, it was critical that WCCO snag a major sports team, especially considering its lineup. The Wolves may be the most ideal matchup since its talent has ties to the Wolves. Afternoon host Chad Hartman used to be the play-by-play man during his time at KFAN and papa Sid helped launch the Minneapolis Lakers. Also keep in mind that broadcasters Michele Tafoya, Dave Lee and Mike Max are all sports folks. Something tells me that they'll all be talking a lot more basketball starting today.