Chicago Sports Network Announced as New Home for White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16240968/original/open-uri20240603-56-sthdi8?1717448629
ICARO Media Group
News
03/06/2024 20h55

In an exciting announcement, the Chicago Sports Network revealed that it will become the new broadcast home for the White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks starting in October. The regional sports network, a joint venture among the three teams and Standard Media, plans to launch with agreements already in place with cable, streaming, and over-the-air providers.

While the specific providers were not mentioned in the announcement, the network intends to make a series of announcements throughout the summer, unveiling distribution details, talent, and programming. The move marks a significant departure for the teams, who have called NBC Sports Chicago their home since its inception in 2004, initially known as Comcast SportsNet.

"We thank the White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks for the long and collaborative partnership on NBC Sports Chicago," stated a spokesperson for the network. "We look forward to producing quality coverage of the teams through the remainder of our partnership, along with continuing our extensive coverage of every local pro team in town on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago."

The Chicago Sports Network plans to operate out of the United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field and aims to expand its coverage across the Midwest. Pending league approvals, it intends to reach an expanded audience across most of Illinois and parts of Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Jason Coyle, the president of the network and a veteran in Chicago-based sports media, expressed the organization's commitment to delivering the best experience for the fans. While designing the network, Coyle stated that they focused on questions surrounding distribution and elevated production capabilities, aiming to serve the fans through various platforms and in as many markets as permitted by their broadcast rights.

Coyle, who previously served as the president of Stadium, a multiplatform network, will bring his expertise to provide programming for the Chicago Sports Network as well. The newly formed network intends to broadcast over 300 games, along with pre- and postgame shows, offering multisport programming throughout the year.

NBCUniversal, which currently operates NBC Sports Chicago, has indicated that it will be deferring to the statement made by the regional sports network. As the launch date approaches, sports enthusiasts can anticipate more exciting details about the Chicago Sports Network and its coverage of beloved Chicago teams.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related