Chicago Sports Network Eyes Growth After Comcast Deal
After a challenging debut year, the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) is poised for a brighter future following a significant distribution agreement with Comcast. This deal, finalized in June, allows the regional sports network to reach its full potential by providing access to a wider audience of Chicago sports fans. The network, which launched on October 1, 2024, faced considerable obstacles in its first year, including a blackout that left over 1 million Comcast subscribers unable to watch their local teams.
New Opportunities for Fans and Teams
The inaugural year for CHSN coincided with a difficult period for local teams. The Chicago White Sox endured a record-breaking season, losing 102 games. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks entered the preseason with low expectations for playoff contention. The absence of Comcast coverage significantly impacted the network’s ability to attract viewers.
Despite these setbacks, optimism is growing. “The content is fully available, the teams are in the hopeful preseason mode and the fans are excited,” said Mike McCarthy, the new president and CEO of CHSN. The network is now accessible via Comcast’s Ultimate tier, which requires subscribers to pay an additional $20 per month, alongside a $20.25 regional sports fee. This pricing strategy could pose a challenge for attracting viewers, especially given the teams’ recent performance.
Sports marketing consultant Marc Ganis noted that higher tier costs can deter subscriptions. “Tiers that cost extra over basic cable are always deterrents to subscriptions and reduce viewership,” he explained. “That’s why regional sports networks have fought so hard to remain in basic cable.” To overcome this hurdle, CHSN will need to deliver compelling content, particularly from winning teams.
Leadership and Future Plans
McCarthy, a seasoned sports executive with experience at MSG Network and the Cubs’ Marquee Sports Network, is determined to build a successful operation at CHSN. He took over as CEO after serving as chief operating officer since the network’s inception. With a steady hand at the helm, McCarthy aims to enhance viewership and engagement in the coming year.
CHSN, a joint venture between the White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Standard Media, has faced significant challenges, particularly the Comcast blackout, which left fans unable to watch games for much of the previous season. The network finally secured a carriage deal with Comcast in June, but the impact of this late negotiation remains to be seen.
Despite the rough start, CHSN has achieved some notable success, earning 12 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award nominations in its first year. The network has also retained its flagship programming, including “The Chicago Lead,” and renewed collaborations with popular local shows.
As CHSN prepares for its second year, it is banking on its streaming app, which launched in November and offers access to all three local teams for $29.99 per month. McCarthy expressed confidence in this approach, stating, “We’re expecting a lot of growth on it.” This move aims to tap into the growing demand for direct-to-consumer options amid declining traditional cable subscriptions.
The future of CHSN hinges not only on its distribution and content but also on the performance of the local teams. McCarthy remains optimistic, citing the loyalty of Chicago sports fans as a key factor in the network’s potential success. “A winning team sounds like a pretty good business plan to me,” he remarked.
Ultimately, the true test for CHSN will be whether Comcast subscribers are willing to invest in watching three struggling teams after a year of limited engagement. As Ganis pointed out, “If one or more of the teams does not break out either by record or have a breakout star, each year becomes more and more difficult to recapture the fans.” With the start of the new season, CHSN is hoping to win back the hearts of local sports enthusiasts.
