BREAKING: Chicago sports teams cut ties with NBC Sports in major deal
The White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks are set to part ways with NBC Sports Chicago once their current agreement expires in October. Instead, they plan to team up with Standard Media Group to launch a new network, as reported by The Athletic.
Initially, the teams were expected to join Stadium, owned by Sox and Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, but plans seem to have shifted. The new network will be available over the air and through cable and streaming services, although details are still unclear.
Stadium, known for its online presence, could potentially offer a direct-to-consumer service through its app. Reinsdorf gained majority control of Stadium last year, repurposing it after Sinclair Broadcast Group's departure.
The challenge for the new network lies in securing distribution on major providers like Comcast and DirecTV, as Comcast recently did with MASN. Partnering with an over-the-air broadcaster could help overcome this hurdle.
Wiegel Broadcasting may emerge as a potential partner in Chicago, where they have been increasing their sports coverage. As the landscape of sports television evolves, the move towards over-the-air channels represents a return to the roots of broadcasting.
| POLL | ||
Did you enjoy NBC Sports broadcasts? | ||
| Yes | 167 | 69.9 % |
| No, i'm glad a change is coming | 72 | 30.1 % |
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