Chicago Sports Network Announces Leadership Change with New CEO
The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) has announced a leadership change, with president and CEO Jason Coyle stepping down and Mike McCarthy, the current Chief Operating Officer, taking over the role. The announcement was made on Monday, marking a significant transition for the network, which Coyle helped to establish.
Coyle, who will continue his association with the organization as an advisor to the board of directors, played a crucial role in the network’s launch. Under his leadership, CHSN, which serves as the home for Chicago’s major sports teams including the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks, went live in under six months. McCarthy, who previously served as general manager at the Marquee Sports Network from its inception in 2020 until June 2023, has been an advisor to Coyle prior to his promotion to COO.
In his statement, Coyle expressed pride in the achievements of the network, stating, “Launching CHSN alongside such a dedicated and talented group of professionals has been the most rewarding experience of my career. Together, we built something truly special to be experienced and enjoyed by Chicago sports fans for years to come.” He emphasized his confidence in McCarthy and the existing staff, asserting that the network is well-positioned for future growth.
McCarthy, who has significant experience in sports broadcasting, formerly held positions as president of the MSG Network in New York and served as vice chairman and CEO of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and COO of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. He acknowledged Coyle’s leadership, stating, “Jason’s leadership and vision were instrumental in bringing CHSN to life. I look forward to working closely with our ownership group, team partners, and the great staff at CHSN to continue building on that foundation and solidifying Chicago Sports Network as a premier brand for sports entertainment in Chicago.”
The leadership change comes against a backdrop of recent restructuring within the organization. Earlier this month, CHSN made the decision to reduce its workforce, letting go of several digital staff members and two executives. This move reflects an adjustment to operational needs following its initial launch phase, as it seeks to stabilize its financial footing after what some have described as over-hiring during the setup period.
As CHSN moves forward under McCarthy’s leadership, the focus will remain on enhancing its brand presence and delivering quality sports entertainment to Chicago fans. The network’s future will depend on its ability to adapt to the competitive landscape of sports broadcasting while maintaining a strong connection with its audience.
