ESPN Radio affiliation and go silent, along with the launch of an FM competitor, WBZ-FM, the previous month—the first serious threat to WEEI's dominance in Boston sports radio. Entercom confirmed on October 7, 2009, that ESPN Radio programming would return to WEEI effective November 2 (though most programming would remain local). WEEI began to carry ESPN Radio's overnight programming, including AllNight with Jason Smith, and some weekend programming. As late as December 2010, station management continued to deny occasional reports of a move of WEEI's programming to WMKK. Ultimately, WEEI began to simulcast on 93.7 FM on September 12, 2011, a decision that came after WBZ-FM began outrating WEEI in three key demographics, even when its ratings were combined with those of Boston-area listeners of its simulcast on 103.7 FM in Providence, Rhode Island. On September 18, 2012, Entercom and announced that AM 850 would become "ESPN on WEEI", a full-time affiliate of ESPN Radio. The simulcast of WEEI and WEEI-FM was split on October 4, 2012; the existing local programming and sports broadcasts remained on WEEI-FM, while AM 850 aired a redirection loop for one day before joining ESPN Radio on October 5. ESPN Radio's morning show, Mike and Mike, marked its new affiliate with a live broadcast from Gillette Stadium. While the bulk of the station's programming after the change came from the national ESPN Radio schedule, WEEI indicated that it might also air some locally produced weekend long-form specialty programs that do not necessarily fit on WEEI-FM. WEEI also aired Boston Celtics games that conflicted with Boston Red Sox games on WEEI-FM through the 2012–2013 season; if the conflict involved a Celtics playoff game, the Celtics aired on WEEI-FM and the Red Sox game was on WEEI. Sports betting In October 2021, WEEI dropped ESPN Radio in favor of sports betting programming from the Audacy-owned BetQL Network. The station also carries some programming from CBS Sports Radio. Unlike the other Audacy stations with a sports betting format, which brand as "The Bet", WEEI continues to brand using its call sign. References External links FCC History Cards for WEEI Sports in Boston EEI Sports radio stations in the United States CBS Sports Radio stations Radio stations established in 1929 1929 establishments in Massachusetts Audacy, Inc. radio stations