Gray Media Expands Partnership with Kansas City Royals for 2026 Season
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
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Should l Buy GTN?
Source: Newsfilter
- Partnership Expansion: Gray Media continues and expands its partnership with the Kansas City Royals for the 2026 season, bringing select games for free to fans across 18 markets in 8 states, enhancing community engagement.
- Historic Moment: The Royals' home opener on March 30 against the Minnesota Twins will be broadcast for free over-the-air, marking the first such broadcast since 2007, representing a significant return to fans.
- Season Schedule: KCTV5 will air ten regular season games throughout the Midwest, including matchups against the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels, which will significantly increase the team's visibility and fan engagement.
- Community Impact: Beyond game broadcasts, KCTV5 will highlight the Royals' community outreach and charitable initiatives, showcasing the team's positive influence on Kansas City and enhancing its brand image.
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Analyst Views on GTN
Wall Street analysts forecast GTN stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for GTN is 7.25 USD with a low forecast of 5.50 USD and a high forecast of 10.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
4 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 4.510
Low
5.50
Averages
7.25
High
10.00
Current: 4.510
Low
5.50
Averages
7.25
High
10.00
About GTN
Gray Media, Inc., formerly Gray Television, Inc., is a multimedia company. The Company owns local television (TV) stations and digital assets serving approximately 113 television markets in the United States. The Company's portfolio includes approximately 77 markets with television stations and 100 markets, as well as the Telemundo Affiliate group with 43 markets totaling nearly 1.5 million Hispanic TV households. The Company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the advanced digital products and services. Its media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. The Company also owns a majority interest in Swirl Films.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Partnership Expansion: Gray Media continues and expands its partnership with the Kansas City Royals for the 2026 season, bringing select games for free to fans across 18 markets in 8 states, enhancing community engagement.
- Historic Moment: The Royals' home opener on March 30 against the Minnesota Twins will be broadcast for free over-the-air, marking the first such broadcast since 2007, representing a significant return to fans.
- Season Schedule: KCTV5 will air ten regular season games throughout the Midwest, including matchups against the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels, which will significantly increase the team's visibility and fan engagement.
- Community Impact: Beyond game broadcasts, KCTV5 will highlight the Royals' community outreach and charitable initiatives, showcasing the team's positive influence on Kansas City and enhancing its brand image.
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- Earnings Release Schedule: Gray Media will announce its earnings for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, on February 26, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day, with participants required to dial in at 1-800-715-9871 or 1-646-307-1963, ensuring timely updates on financial performance for investors.
- Market Coverage: Gray Media is the largest owner of local television stations and digital assets in the U.S., serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of U.S. television households, showcasing its significant influence in the media industry.
- Digital Marketing Services: The company's Gray Digital Media division offers advanced digital marketing strategies, further enhancing its competitive edge among national and local clients.
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- Earnings Release Schedule: Gray Media will release its earnings for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, on February 26, 2026, highlighting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call at 11:00 AM Eastern Time on the same day, with participants required to dial in at 1-800-715-9871 or 1-646-307-1963, demonstrating its focus on investor engagement.
- Market Coverage: Gray Media is the largest owner of local television stations and digital assets in the U.S., serving 113 television markets and reaching approximately 37% of U.S. TV households, underscoring its leadership in the media industry.
- Digital Marketing Services: Gray Digital Media offers advanced digital marketing strategies, enhancing the company's competitiveness in the digital advertising space and reflecting its diversified business model.
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- Management Change: Gray Media has appointed Kristy Santiago as General Manager of KFVS (CBS and CW) and WQWQ-LD (Telemundo), leveraging her extensive experience in television station management and sales operations to enhance operational efficiency in these markets.
- Industry Experience: With decades of experience in television management, Kristy has played a pivotal role in launching multiple affiliations with Telemundo, CW, and FOX, which is expected to strengthen Gray Media's competitive position in the industry.
- Community Engagement: In addition to her professional achievements, Kristy has been active in industry and community organizations, serving on boards such as the California Broadcasters Association, which enhances the company's influence and brand image within local communities.
- Company Background: Gray Media is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the U.S., reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households across 113 markets, and Kristy's appointment is poised to further solidify the company's market leadership.
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- Strategic Shift: Bahakel Communications is selling its ABC affiliate WBBJ-TV in Jackson, Tennessee, to Gray Media, aiming to focus on its digital platforms and entertainment division, which is expected to enhance overall business efficiency.
- Market Leadership: Since its launch 70 years ago, WBBJ-TV has been the most-watched local news station, and Gray Media plans to consolidate its resources to further strengthen the station's leadership position in the Jackson market.
- Financial Impact: Gray Media anticipates that the acquisition will be immediately free cash flow accretive and will be funded with cash on hand, reflecting confidence in future earnings.
- Commitment to Employees and Viewers: Bahakel CEO Beverly Bahakel emphasized the commitment to ensuring a smooth and positive transition for WBBJ-TV's audience, advertisers, and employees, highlighting the company's ongoing dedication to community service.
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- Transaction Completion: Bahakel Communications has reached an agreement to sell its ABC affiliate WBBJ-TV in Jackson, Tennessee, marking a pivotal step in focusing on its digital platforms and entertainment division.
- Market Leadership: Since its launch 70 years ago, WBBJ-TV has been the most-watched local news station, and its acquisition by Gray Media will further enhance its influence in adjacent markets like Nashville and Memphis.
- Shareholder Value Enhancement: Gray Media anticipates that the acquisition will be immediately free cash flow accretive and plans to fund the purchase with cash on hand, demonstrating its strategy of enhancing shareholder value through selective acquisitions of highly rated stations.
- Commitment to Smooth Transition: Bahakel CEO Beverly Bahakel emphasized the commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for WBBJ's audience, advertisers, and employees, reflecting a continued dedication to serving the local community.
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