Good Karma Brands
Good Karma Brands, LLC (GKB), formerly known as Good Karma Broadcasting, is an American media and marketing company specializing in sports, local news, and brand development through audio, video, digital platforms, and live events.[1] Founded in August 1997 by Craig Karmazin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company began by acquiring three radio stations in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and has since expanded into a nationwide operation with over 550 employees across multiple offices.[2] GKB's core business revolves around leveraging sports content to connect brands with audiences, including the management of the ESPN Radio Network, which provides 24/7 sports talk, Major League Baseball and National Basketball Association broadcasts, and over 40 podcasts.[3] In August 2023, GKB entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with ESPN to handle sales and operations for the ESPN Radio Network and ESPN Podcast Network, marking a significant expansion of its role in national sports media.[4] The company also serves as the official operating partner for ESPN Digital in key markets such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, delivering localized strategies for digital audio and content distribution.[5] Beyond broadcasting, GKB manages play-by-play broadcasting rights for major sports teams and provides radio coverage for ESPN Events, including four college football kickoff games and 17 bowl games annually.[2] Notable partnerships include a minority ownership stake in the Milwaukee Bucks by founder Craig Karmazin since 2014, as well as affiliations with other professional teams through radio and digital rights.[2] The company has earned recognition as a top workplace, including awards from Front Office Sports, Sports Business Journal, and USA Today, and has contributed to community initiatives, such as raising over $1.9 million through its Children's Radiothon for children's hospitals.[2]Company Overview
Founding and Early Development
Good Karma Brands, originally known as Good Karma Broadcasting, LLC, was founded in August 1997 by Craig Karmazin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[2] At the age of 22, Karmazin, the son of veteran broadcaster Mel Karmazin, established the company with a vision centered on radio broadcasting in underserved markets.[6] The initial focus was on acquiring and operating radio stations in smaller Wisconsin communities, aiming to build a portfolio through strategic purchases and local programming.[7] In December 1997, the company made its first acquisitions, purchasing three stations for $3.85 million: WBEV-AM and WXRO-FM, both in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, along with WYKY-FM in Columbus, Wisconsin.[8] These stations primarily served rural and small-town audiences with a mix of news, talk, and music formats, providing Good Karma with its entry into operational broadcasting.[2] By August 1998, WYKY-FM underwent a format shift and rebranding to WTLX-FM "FM Talk 100.5" in Madison, Wisconsin, marking the company's initial foray into sports radio programming.[2] As the company grew, Good Karma Broadcasting adopted a business model emphasizing sports content, including affiliations with ESPN Radio beginning in the early 2000s.[7] This approach allowed the young company to differentiate itself in smaller markets by combining syndicated sports talk with community-focused initiatives, such as the inaugural WBEV/WXRO Children's Radiothon in July 1998, which raised over $27,000 for local charities.[2] These early steps laid the groundwork for sustainable growth, prioritizing content partnerships and listener engagement over rapid expansion.[9]Headquarters and Leadership
Good Karma Brands is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at 301 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 200, which serves as the central hub for its operations across radio, digital media, and marketing divisions.[1][10] The company operates as a privately held limited liability company (LLC) with primary interests in radio broadcasting and sports marketing services.[11][1] Craig Karmazin founded Good Karma Brands in 1997 and continues to serve as its chief executive officer, guiding strategic decisions in media and marketing.[7][12] The executive team includes key roles such as the chief financial officer for financial oversight, vice presidents managing radio content and market operations, and leaders in sports marketing to drive client partnerships and revenue growth.[13][14] As of 2024, Good Karma Brands employs over 550 staff members across its nationwide offices, supporting broadcasting, digital advertising, and event management activities.[1]Historical Development
Inception and Initial Acquisitions (1997–2005)
Good Karma Brands was founded in August 1997 by Craig Karmazin; in December 1997, the company acquired three radio stations in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin: WBEV (1430 AM), WXRO (94.5 FM), and WYKY (100.5 FM). These initial purchases formed the core of the company's early broadcasting operations, centered on local content and community engagement in south-central Wisconsin. In August 1998, WYKY was rebranded as WTLX (100.5 FM), marking Good Karma's first dedicated sports talk station and shifting focus toward sports programming to attract regional audiences.[2][15] The first WBEV/WXRO Children's Radiothon in July 1998 raised over $27,000 for local charities and fostered goodwill. By the early 2000s, Good Karma strengthened its presence in the Madison area through operational enhancements at WTLX, emphasizing community events and advertising to build listener loyalty in a growing urban market. WTLX in the Madison market served as a key asset for local sports coverage, including affiliations with teams like the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.[2][16] Entry into the Milwaukee market occurred in May 2004 with the purchase of WAUK (1510 AM), which was rebranded as ESPN Radio 1510 to deliver sports content to the larger metropolitan audience. This acquisition represented a strategic push into Wisconsin's biggest city, leveraging ESPN programming to compete with established outlets. Throughout this period, Good Karma faced challenges in building a dedicated listener base amid the competitive landscape of sports radio, where established networks dominated major markets. The company addressed this by prioritizing local marketing, community radiothons, and targeted advertising. Regulatory hurdles, including FCC reviews for station flips and out-of-state leases, demanded careful adherence to broadcasting standards, while the shift to sports formats required innovative programming to differentiate from rivals in saturated areas like Milwaukee. In March 2003, Good Karma leased WEFL-AM in West Palm Beach, Florida, converting it to an ESPN Radio format and establishing Good Karma's initial national sports network ties outside Wisconsin. This move laid the groundwork for sports-focused growth.[2][17]Market Expansion and Diversification (2006–2013)
During the period from 2006 to 2013, Good Karma Brands (GKB) shifted from its initial focus on Wisconsin-based radio stations to broader market expansion, including entry into new geographic areas and initial forays into non-broadcast ventures such as retail and real estate. This phase built upon the company's early acquisitions in Beaver Dam and Madison, Wisconsin, by pursuing opportunities in sports programming and diversified business lines to enhance fan engagement and revenue streams.[2] In October 2006, GKB marked its first significant diversification outside broadcasting by integrating The Home Market, an interior design and home furnishings store in Milwaukee, into its portfolio. This retail venture represented GKB's initial step into consumer goods, offering furniture, decor, and custom services to complement its sports media presence in the region. The acquisition aligned with GKB's growing emphasis on community-oriented businesses in its home market. In October 2006, GKB acquired WWGK (1540 AM) in Cleveland, Ohio, converting it to ESPN Radio 1540 and positioning the company for sports radio dominance in a new region known for its passionate fanbase, including potential ties to the Cleveland Browns. These moves required navigating Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approvals to ensure compliance with ownership and licensing rules.[2] In February 2007, GKB expanded its radio footprint into Ohio with the purchase of WKNR-AM in Cleveland, which it rebranded as ESPN 850 WKNR and paired with a simulcast on WWGK-AM 1540 as KNR2. This move established GKB's presence in a major sports market, leveraging ESPN affiliation to broadcast local teams and national content.[2] Between 2008 and 2010, GKB continued building its Wisconsin operations while extending reach into Florida. In Wisconsin, the company acquired WRRD-AM (540 AM) in Milwaukee in January 2008, rebranded it as 540 ESPN under the WAUK call letters, and flipped WTLX-AM in Madison to an ESPN format in January 2009, bringing its total ESPN affiliates in the state to six. In May 2008, 1510 AM in Milwaukee became ESPN Deportes 1510, GKB's first Spanish-language station. These builds strengthened GKB's dominance in regional sports radio. In January 2010, GKB partnered with television station WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida, to manage its sports department, expanding to WFLX a year later; this marked an operational expansion into the Southeast without a full station acquisition at the time. This collaboration enhanced GKB's content distribution in a key market, building on its existing ESPN West Palm operations launched earlier.[2] In 2011, GKB ventured into real estate with the formation of GKB Events, purchasing the first of three properties near Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to create the Tundra Trio—a luxury fan experience offering premium tailgating and viewing accommodations. The initiative launched in September 2011, with the first 200-person tailgate event in September 2013, evolving into full-season operations. This acquisition diversified GKB's portfolio by tying real estate directly to sports fandom.[2] By 2013, GKB solidified its sports broadcasting partnerships, with WKNR in Cleveland becoming the flagship station for Cleveland Browns games in March, expanding its NFL coverage beyond the Midwest. Later that year, in September, ESPN West Palm announced the launch of ESPN Deportes 760 AM and entered a partnership with ESPN Events to broadcast the Boca Raton Bowl, further integrating GKB's radio assets with college football events. These developments underscored GKB's strategy of leveraging affiliations for high-profile content rights and event production.[2]Rebranding and Modern Growth
Name Change and Strategic Shifts (2014–2020)
In 2014, Good Karma Brands rebranded from its original name, Good Karma Broadcasting, to better encompass its broadening operations beyond traditional radio into sports marketing and digital media.[18] This shift aligned with the company's growing diversification, building on its established radio foundation in markets like Wisconsin and Florida. Later that year, in June, founder and CEO Craig Karmazin acquired a minority ownership stake in the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA, aiming to leverage synergies between the team's fanbase and Good Karma's local broadcasting assets for enhanced marketing opportunities.[2][19] Between 2015 and 2017, Good Karma Brands deepened its partnership with ESPN by expanding affiliations and integrating digital assets, particularly in its Ohio and Florida markets. In 2015, the company gained access to ESPN's digital platforms, enabling local advertisers in Cleveland and West Palm Beach to reach broader audiences through integrated audio and online content.[7] This period saw Good Karma solidify its role as a key ESPN affiliate operator, adding value through localized sports programming that combined network feeds with regional coverage of teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Florida Panthers. A pivotal expansion occurred in 2018 when Good Karma Brands acquired WTMJ (620 AM/103.3 FM) and WKTI (94.5 FM) from E.W. Scripps for $16 million, marking its largest deal to date and strengthening its Milwaukee presence.[20] The purchase allowed Good Karma to transform WKTI into an ESPN sports outlet, complementing its existing ESPN Milwaukee operations and boosting its portfolio of sports-focused stations. In 2019, Good Karma entered a long-term local marketing agreement with Disney to manage WMVP (1000 AM) in Chicago, retaining the ESPN 1000 branding while assuming operational control to expand its Midwest footprint.[21] The year 2020 brought challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting Good Karma Brands to adapt its sports broadcasting and marketing strategies amid suspended live events and remote work mandates. In Cleveland, for instance, its affiliate WWGK (1540 AM) incorporated SiriusXM's dedicated coronavirus programming, including medical updates from Doctor Radio, to inform listeners while maintaining sports talk in a limited capacity.[22] These adjustments emphasized digital streaming and virtual marketing campaigns to sustain audience engagement and advertiser partnerships during the disruptions to traditional radio play-by-play coverage.Recent Acquisitions and ESPN Integration (2021–present)
In 2021, Good Karma Brands expanded its footprint in major markets by acquiring three key ESPN-owned radio stations for $15 million from The Walt Disney Company, including WMVP (ESPN 1000) in Chicago, WEPN (ESPN 1050 AM) in New York, and KSPN (ESPN 710 AM) in Los Angeles.[23] This deal, announced on December 13, 2021, built on Good Karma's existing ESPN affiliations in those markets and ensured the stations would continue as ESPN Radio affiliates under long-term agreements. The transaction received regulatory approvals and closed in March 2022, integrating these assets fully into Good Karma's operations and enhancing its sports broadcasting presence in the nation's top media markets.[2] By 2023, Good Karma Brands deepened its partnership with ESPN through an agreement effective July 28, whereby the company assumed responsibility for the day-to-day operations and advertising sales of the entire ESPN Radio Network and ESPN Podcast Network, including a revenue-sharing model.[24] Under this arrangement, ESPN retained oversight of content creation, distribution, and marketing, while Good Karma handled sales operations to streamline monetization across the network's 40-plus affiliate stations and digital platforms. This move marked a significant evolution in the collaboration, allowing Good Karma to leverage its expertise in local sports radio to support ESPN's national audio ecosystem amid the broadcaster's strategic de-emphasis on traditional radio.[25] In August 2024, Good Karma Brands further strengthened its New York operations via a local marketing agreement (LMA) with Audacy, Inc., for WCBS (880 AM), effective August 26.[26] This deal enabled Good Karma to program the station as the new flagship for ESPN New York, relocating content from its previous AM signal and expanding coverage in the competitive New York market.[27] As part of the ongoing ESPN integration, Good Karma has incorporated national ESPN programming—such as syndicated shows, play-by-play events, and podcasts—into its local stations, creating a seamless blend of network content and market-specific programming to drive listener engagement and revenue growth.[4] In September 2025, Good Karma Brands extended its multi-year radio partnership with the Cleveland Browns and Audacy, Inc., continuing as the team's official flagship stations for game broadcasts and year-round programming on ESPN Cleveland and The Fan Cleveland.[28]Broadcasting Operations
Owned and Operated Stations
Good Karma Brands owns and operates a portfolio of radio stations primarily focused on sports talk formats, with most affiliated to the ESPN Radio network. These stations serve key markets across the United States, delivering local and national sports programming, news, and play-by-play coverage. The company's holdings emphasize ESPN syndication, supplemented by select news/talk, local content, and urban talk outlets, including WEPN (1050 AM) in New York City as an ESPN affiliate and WGKB (1510 AM via 101.7 FM translator) in Milwaukee, branded as 101.7 The Truth, providing talk programming for the African American community.[2] In Wisconsin, Good Karma Brands maintains a strong presence with multiple stations in the Milwaukee and Madison areas, alongside smaller-market assets. WTMJ (620 AM) in Milwaukee operates as a news/talk station, providing comprehensive local news and sports coverage, including Milwaukee Brewers broadcasts.[29] WKTI (94.5 FM) in Milwaukee serves as ESPN Milwaukee, featuring sports talk and ESPN-affiliated programming.[30] In Madison, WTLX (100.5 FM) brands as ESPN Madison, offering sports analysis and University of Wisconsin athletics.[31] Additional stations include WBEV (1430 AM) and WBEV-FM (95.3 FM) in Beaver Dam, where the AM signal carries ESPN sports content and the FM focuses on local news and oldies; and WGKB (1510 AM/101.7 FM) in Milwaukee as 101.7 The Truth.[16] [32] Outside Wisconsin, the company's owned stations include WMVP (1000 AM) in Chicago, Illinois, known as ESPN 1000 and serving as the flagship for Chicago Bears and White Sox radio networks with a sports talk format.[33] In Cleveland, Ohio, WKNR (850 AM) operates as ESPN Cleveland, delivering sports talk and Cleveland Browns play-by-play.[34] In Florida, Good Karma Brands owns stations in the West Palm Beach market, including WUUB (106.3 FM), branded as ESPN 106.3 for English-language sports talk, and WEFL (760 AM), which airs TUDN Deportes programming.[35] The company's ESPN integration expanded significantly post-2021 with acquisitions in major markets. In New York City, Good Karma Brands owns WEPN (1050 AM), an ESPN affiliate. Following a local marketing agreement effective August 26, 2024, the company also operates WHSQ (880 AM) under an LMA with Audacy, providing sports coverage for the Knicks, Rangers, and national ESPN content while Audacy retains ownership.[36] In Los Angeles, California, KSPN (710 AM) operates as ESPN LA, focusing on Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, and local sports talk.[37]| Market | Call Sign | Frequency | Format/Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | WTMJ | 620 AM | News/Talk with sports |
| Milwaukee, WI | WKTI | 94.5 FM | Sports (ESPN) |
| Milwaukee, WI | WGKB | 1510 AM / 101.7 FM | Urban Talk (101.7 The Truth) |
| Madison, WI | WTLX | 100.5 FM | Sports (ESPN) |
| Beaver Dam, WI | WBEV | 1430 AM | Sports (ESPN) / Local |
| Beaver Dam, WI | WBEV-FM | 95.3 FM | Local News/Oldies |
| Chicago, IL | WMVP | 1000 AM | Sports (ESPN) |
| Cleveland, OH | WKNR | 850 AM | Sports (ESPN) |
| West Palm Beach, FL | WUUB | 106.3 FM | Sports (ESPN) |
| West Palm Beach, FL | WEFL | 760 AM | Sports (TUDN Deportes) |
| New York City, NY | WEPN | 1050 AM | Sports (ESPN) |
| New York City, NY | WHSQ (LMA) | 880 AM | Sports (ESPN) |
| Los Angeles, CA | KSPN | 710 AM | Sports (ESPN) |