Blackhawks games are leaving NBC Sports Chicago
The times are changing when it comes to broadcasting major sports, as Regional Sports Networks also known as "Regional Sports Networks" are in flux.
The Chicago Blackhawks are in the middle of the chaos, as Jerry Reinsdorf who currently owns the majority share of "Stadium" is looking to change how sports in the city of Chicago is aired.
Reinsdorf who owns the Bulls and White Sox franchises, may acquire the rights to air Chicago Blackhawks hockey.
However, that depends upon NBC Sports Chicago and whether they decide to extend their rights for another 6 months with the original six teams.
If NBC Sports Chicago decides to extend, the Blackhawks could end up on the Stadium network next year, when the White Sox start their season again.
That also depends upon a multitude of factors, as the Stadium as it is operates out of the United Center.
While conversations are ongoing, with the Blackhawks the team could end up on Stadium, which already has a streaming service. Reinsdorf could be far more ambitious and turn the network into an RSN, with a streaming app and partner with Direct TV and Comcast to get more air-time in households in Chicago.
With Diamond in bankruptcy, while owning the rights to 19 teams, Reinsdorf is looking into leaving Bally Sports in the dust, while taking a cue from Ted Leonsis of the Washington Capitals and Wizards, and creating his own Regional Sports Network, like Monumental Sports Network.
It would require Reinsdorf to buy his share of NBCSports Universal and rebrand it anew.
Nothing is official just yet, but Reinsdorf like anyone else wants to control his product and offer another solution, while Diamond Sports circles the drain.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Blackhawks leaving NBC Sports Chicago is good? | ||
| Yes | 137 | 30.2 % |
| No | 317 | 69.8 % |
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