Chicago Sports Network announces streaming service
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A rendering of the Bulls broadcast studio at the United Center. Photo: Courtesty of CHSN/Michael Kramer/MPKScenic
The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) is launching a streaming app Friday that would bring Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox games directly to consumers.
Why it matters: The fledgling network, owned by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, has stumbled since its Oct. 1 launch, failing to secure a carriage deal with Comcast, shutting out millions of Chicago viewers.
The latest: CHSN, which replaced NBC Sports Chicago, has been working feverishly to get its own streaming service to the market, so customers can bypass Comcast and other cable providers.
- Comcast has started giving credits to customers paying for the regional sports package, which used to include NBC Sports Chicago.
- The cable giant is giving a $9 credit from the $19 a month charge, which includes fees for the Big Ten Network and Marquee Sports Network (Cubs).
By the numbers: CHSN subscription packages will start at $19.99 a month for just one team. If you want access to all three teams (Bulls, Blackhawks, White Sox), it will cost $29.99 a month.
What they're saying: "We are excited to offer Chicago sports fans a one-of-a-kind digital product enabling immediate access to live games and a complement of personalized, on-demand content," CHSN president Jason Coyle said in a statement.
Context: Even though CHSN has yet to secure deals with Comcast and YouTube TV, it has brokered deals with DirecTV, Fubo and other smaller cable providers.
- The channel also airs for free with a TV antenna.
The vibe: Fans have shown their dissatisfaction on social media, while Blackhawks players have also weighed in on the controversy.
- The Bulls and 'Hawks have each played several games already this season.
Zoom in: The app was built by the streaming company ViewLift, which has worked on other regional sports networks in Denver and Washington, D.C.
Zoom out: Regional sports networks from around the country have followed this direct-to-consumer model, bypassing local cable companies.
Yes, but: The rollouts have had mixed results. In Ohio, the Bally's Sports app frustrated fans with error messages and loading problems for years before those issues were resolved.
The bottom line: Though an app will help fans get direct access to Chicago sports, many cable viewers will have to choose between spending more or waiting for the network and the cable giant to come together.