The network is distributed via multiple platforms, including via subchannels of broadcast television stations within its teams' broadcast regions, agreements with pay television providers, and a direct-to-consumer app.
History
In 2004, Jerry Reinsdorf, Bill Wirtz, and the Tribune Company—the owners of the Bulls and White Sox, Blackhawks, and Cubs respectively—formed a new regional sports network with Comcast known as Comcast SportsNet Chicago (later named NBC Sports Chicago). The network was jointly owned by the four teams, while Comcast held a 30% stake and handle operations.[1][2] The Cubs departed the network after 2019, forming Marquee with Sinclair Broadcast Group as the exclusive broadcaster of all regional Cubs games;[3][4] that same year, NBC Sports Chicago signed a five-year extension with the Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox, making it the exclusive home of all three teams through the end of the 2023–24 season.[5][6][7]
In April 2024, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the three teams were in negotiations with Stadium to assume their regional rights after the conclusion of their contract with NBC Sports Chicago.[8] Stadium is owned by the White Sox's investment arm Silver Chalice and had previously been a joint venture with Sinclair until they sold their stake in 2023.[9] In May 2024, The Athletic subsequently reported an agreement with Standard Media that would involve a newly launched multi-platform regional sports network;[10] the Sun-Times later reported that Standard Media would primarily serve as a funding and distribution partner and that Stadium was to serve as the teams' new home.[11]
On June 3, 2024, the three teams and Standard Media officially announced Chicago Sports Network, led by former Stadium CEO Jason Coyle.[12][13] Unlike most regional sports networks, Chicago Sports Network is available over-the-air and through pay-TV and streaming services.[14] Social media accounts used by NBC Sports Chicago transitioned to being operated by Chicago Sports Network at the end of September 2024.[15]
Programming
Chicago Sports Network holds the regional television rights to the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball, the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, the NBA's Chicago Bulls and the NBA G League's Windy City Bulls. The network produces its pre-game and post-game shows in studios in the United Center and Rate Field.[12][16][17]
Chicago Sports Network's flagship program is The Chicago Lead, a daily sports program covering all Chicago sports teams including local college and high school sports. In addition, the network also airs The Big College Football Show and The Big Pro Football Show, focusing on college football and the National Football League, respectively.[18][19]
Carriage
Pay-TV
On September 12, 2024, it was reported that the network was nearing its first carriage agreement with DirecTV that would have it taking over the channel positions formerly occupied by NBC Sports Chicago.[20] On September 18, the agreement with DirecTV was confirmed.[21] On September 30, the network reached an agreement with Astound RCN,[22] and streaming service Fubo was added on October 25.[23] The network was also added to MTCO, a small regional internet and streaming-TV provider in Central Illinois.[24]
Carriage on Dish Network, which has shifted to refusing RSN carriage due to high distribution fees, is not expected to be pursued.[25] Carriage on YouTube TV is also not expected to be pursued due to their lack of interest in adding RSNs.[26]
Comcast negotiations
On October 10, 2024, it was reported that negotiations were ongoing between CHSN and Comcast, the Chicago area's primary cable TV provider.[26] Both parties were unable to reach an agreement prior to the network's launch due to a dispute over tier placement.[27] CHSN stated that it had reduced its fee to below what NBC Sports Chicago was receiving from Comcast but still had yet to receive an offer. As a result of the ongoing negotiations, CHSN had withheld its standalone streaming app, as CHSN believed its release would further hinder a deal with Comcast.[28] By the end of October, CHSN had sent three offers to Comcast but received no offer in return, with its third offer including a move to Comcast's Ultimate tier and a much lower fee than NBC Sports Chicago's.[29]
Over-the-air
On September 15, 2024, Chicago Sports Network announced its over-the-air coverage in the Chicago market through a two-channel lease for the main channel and an overflow channel (both in 1080ihigh definition) on the digital subcarriers of WJYS (channel 62), a station licensed to Hammond, Indiana, with full-market coverage from the Willis Tower.[30] The subchannels for CHSN via WJYS originally required an ATSC tuner that supports the more compact MPEG-4video codec,[31] but as a result of complaints WJYS switched to the more widely-available MPEG-2 in January 2025.[citation needed] Coverage on Gray Television stations in Rockford and South Bend were announced on October 1.[32] Coverage on Family Broadcasting Corporation station WHMB in Indianapolis was announced on October 17.[33] Because the network's coverage area over-the-air outside the Chicago market conflicts with the rights to other teams, it is likely that alternate blackout programming will be transmitted to those stations. no game coverage airs in Milwaukee and Madison partner due to conflicts with the Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks. For the same reason, no game coverage airs in West Michigan due to the presence of Detroit's own teams, including the Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings.
Mark Lazerus, the Blackhawks beat writer for The Athletic, claimed that CHSN's over-the-air signal in Chicago sometimes leaves much to be desired. Lazerus wrote that watching CHSN via channel 62 over-the-air requires an antenna aimed at Willis Tower, and even then the picture quality can be "glitchier than scrambled late-night cable was in the 1980s." Lazerus added that the over-the-air signal is all but unviewable in rainy or windy conditions.[34]
Grade A signal contours for stations affiliated with Chicago Sports Network.
Direct-to-consumer streaming service
On November 14, 2024, CHSN unveiled its DTC streaming app with pricing set at $19.99 per month for one team or $29.99 per month for full access to the network, including non-team programming. The app also allows eligible pay-TV subscribers to use their pay-TV credentials.[36]
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