UH Mānoa Athletics Partners With Hawaii News Now for Statewide Broadcasts

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics Department has officially selected Hawaii News Now (HNN) as its official broadcast partner. This four-year agreement, scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026, marks a significant transition in how fans access UH Mānoa sports.

A Shift Toward Accessibility

The partnership represents a major strategic shift, moving the primary home for local broadcasts from a subscription-based cable model to free, statewide television distribution. This move is designed to expand how and where fans can watch the ‘Bows.

UH Mānoa Athletics will return to K5, which served as the “Home Team” for nearly two decades starting in 1994. K5 will once again act as the primary hub for live games, original programming, and year-round coverage.

Did You Know? K5 previously served as the “Home Team” for UH Mānoa sports for nearly two decades beginning in 1994.

Expanding the Reach of the ‘Bows

By utilizing HNN’s reach across K5, KGMB (CBS), and KHNL (NBC/Telemundo), the university expects to nearly double the number of television households capable of watching local broadcasts. This expanded access is intended to strengthen the connection between the community and student-athletes.

Beyond the islands, broadcasts on K5 will be available nationally through the new Mountain West app. Gray Media, the parent company of HNN, may use its national footprint to create opportunities for special programming distributed to audiences across the United States.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that moving from a subscription model to over-the-air broadcasting is a calculated move to maximize brand exposure. By removing the paywall, the university is likely prioritizing community engagement and long-term brand growth over immediate, traditional rights-fee revenue.

Comprehensive Coverage and Value

HNN has committed to broadcasting a minimum of 110 home sporting events annually. This schedule includes all available games for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s volleyball, as well as baseball, softball, and women’s soccer.

The agreement carries an estimated annual partnership value of approximately $7.5 million. Rather than a traditional rights-fee model, this structure is designed to create broader long-term value through student development opportunities, NIL community value initiatives, and shared revenue tied to the Warrior FAST Channel and campus productions.

Future Outlook

As the partnership evolves, HNN and UH may explore opportunities to showcase select campus productions across HNN stations. The use of the Mountain West app could potentially increase the visibility of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine athletics to a wider national audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new broadcast agreement begin?
The four-year agreement begins on July 1, 2026.

Which sports will be televised under the HNN partnership?
HNN will broadcast a minimum of 110 home events, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s volleyball, baseball, softball, and women’s soccer.

What is the estimated annual value of the partnership?
The partnership has an estimated annual value of approximately $7.5 million.

Do you think moving sports broadcasts from cable subscriptions to free television will increase fan engagement for local teams?