Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) have been in a tailspin lately, and it seems Chicago fans might be caught in the whirlwind.
According to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times, the teams are considering moving their games to the Stadium Sports Network as their contracts with NBC Sports end in October.
The shakeup comes during a turbulent time for Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). AT&T SportsNets recently shut down, while Bally Sports faces bankruptcy.
What’s changing?
The White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks may break away from NBC Sports to join the Stadium Sports Network, a 24/7 sports channel launched by Sinclair but recently sold to Silver Chalice.
The network is currently available on a variety of free streaming services as well as paid options like FuboTV, The Roku Channel, and YouTube TV.
There’s a possibility that the Bulls and the Blackhawks might extend their existing contracts with NBC Sports to finish their 2024-2025 seasons before making the switch.
Why the move?
Stadium Sports Network wants to become a bigger regional sports network and be on more local cable TV services.
Also, it might become easier for people without cable to watch the games as Stadium plans to offer its own streaming service.
However, an official announcement could come as early as this week, providing more clarity on the situation.
We’ll keep you updated…
This sounds like it could mean having to pay for more subscriptions… I’m already stretching my budget with all the sports streaming services I use
Yep, It’s enough to make us want to scream! The cost of being a sports fan these days is absolutely outrageous. Actually, all they care about is squeezing every last penny out of us.
it could be good for the future of sports broadcasting. If it helps make watching sports more accessible, that’s positive. (but I doubt…😕)
I was just getting used to NBC Sports. The quality was decent, and I knew where to find the games. Now, I’m supposed to get excited about some second-rate network called Stadium? Are you kidding me? I bet it’s going to cost me extra, the streams will be choppy, and they probably won’t even have the same commentators.
Lucille, I don’t understand you….🙄