Vancouver Canucks Shift Radio Home to New FM Station for 2026‑27

Vancouver Canucks radio broadcasts are moving to a new Rogers‑owned FM station for the 2026‑27 season, ensuring fans can still hear Brendan Batchelor and Randip Janda call games after Sportsnet 650 went dark.

Why did Sportsnet 650 disappear?

Rogers announced the shutdown of Sportsnet 650 and four other stations, citing declining audience and revenue trends. The all‑sports format vanished overnight, leaving the Canucks without a home on the dial. Unlike the Whitecaps and BC Lions, which found a home on Corus‑owned CKNW, the Canucks remain tied to Rogers because the company holds exclusive TV and radio rights through 2033.

Where will the games land?

A Rogers Sports & Media spokesperson confirmed the production will shift to another Rogers‑owned station in Vancouver. With News 1130 also gone, only Jack 96.9 and Kiss Throwbacks (104.9 FM) remain. That opens the possibility of the Canucks airing on FM for the first time, a notable change for a market used to AM chatter.

How will the move affect listeners?

Fans who tuned in on 650 kHz will need to find the new frequency, likely advertised on the team’s website and social channels. The familiar voices of Batchelor and Janda will stay, so the on‑ice commentary won’t change, but the signal quality could improve on FM. Advertisers will also follow the shift, keeping the revenue stream within Rogers’ ecosystem.

What does this mean for the Canucks’ season?

The club is struggling, sitting 16th in the Western Conference with a 25‑49 record and a one‑game losing streak as of July 8, 2026. The next test comes on September 20, 2026 when they face the Seattle Kraken on the road. A stable radio home could help maintain fan engagement during a rebuild that still hopes for a playoff push.

What about other local teams?

The Vancouver Canadians (High‑A baseball) and Vancouver Giants (WHL) also lost their Sportsnet 650 outlet. Their future radio homes are unclear, but the focus remains on keeping the Canucks audible for the longest possible stretch of the broadcast contract.

What’s next for Rogers?

Rogers has not named the exact FM frequency, but insiders suggest Jack 96.9 may add a dedicated Canucks slot. The company promises more details soon, and fans should watch for on‑air promos and digital alerts. Until then, the team’s radio presence hangs in the balance, but the commitment to keep the voices on air is clear.