KMOV has played a significant role in the sports broadcasting landscape of St. Louis, Missouri. Over the years, the station has been involved in airing games for various local sports teams, contributing to the city's vibrant sports culture. This article explores KMOV's involvement in sports broadcasting, highlighting its impact on the St. Louis sports scene.
NFL and Baseball Coverage
KMOV, originally KMOX-TV, served as the unofficial home station for the NFL's St. Louis Cardinals
from their arrival in 1960 until the team's relocation to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1987. This long-standing relationship with the Cardinals established KMOV as a key player in local sports broadcasting, providing fans with access to their favorite team's games.
Following the Cardinals' departure, KMOV continued its involvement in NFL broadcasting by airing games for the St. Louis Rams from 1998 to 2015. The station's coverage of Rams games, particularly home interconference contests, allowed it to maintain its connection with local football fans even as the Rams eventually returned to Los Angeles.
In addition to football, KMOV aired games for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team from 1990 to 1993 as part of CBS's national broadcast contract with Major League Baseball. This involvement in baseball broadcasting further cemented KMOV's role as a prominent sports broadcaster in the region.
Hockey and Other Sports
KMOV's sports broadcasting portfolio also includes hockey, with the station airing St. Louis Blues NHL games during the 1996–97 season. Although the Blues' over-the-air telecasts moved back to KPLR-TV the following season, KMOV's brief involvement in hockey broadcasting showcased its versatility in covering different sports.
In recent years, KMOV has continued to expand its sports coverage. In January 2025, the St. Louis Blues announced an agreement with Gray Media to exclusively broadcast three regular season games during the 2024–25 season. These games will air on Matrix Midwest, with select games simulcast on KMOV's primary subchannel, demonstrating the station's ongoing commitment to local sports.
Impact on St. Louis Sports Culture
KMOV's involvement in sports broadcasting has had a lasting impact on the St. Louis sports scene. By providing coverage of local teams and events, the station has helped foster a strong sense of community among sports fans in the area. KMOV's dedication to sports broadcasting has contributed to the city's reputation as a passionate sports town, where fans eagerly follow their teams through various media channels.
Overall, KMOV's role in sports broadcasting reflects its commitment to serving the St. Louis community, offering viewers access to a wide range of sports content and enhancing the city's vibrant sports culture.
