Cubs TV deal could be on shaky ground
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Fans hang outside Wrigley Field in 2023. Photo: Matt Dirksen/Getty Images
Opening Day at Wrigley Field is a beloved city tradition best experienced at the ballpark, but for several generations of Cubs fans, it has also made for great television.
Yes, but: It's becoming harder to watch, thanks to the broadcast deals off the field.
The latest: The Cubs Marquee Sports Network is sparring with its broadcast partner, while Comcast could be making games more expensive to watch.
- In other markets like Boston, Baltimore and California, the cable giant has moved regional sports networks (RSN) to higher premium tiers, boosting the monthly costs by up to $20.
- Comcast has not confirmed the expected price change, but sources tell the Sun-Times that the change could happen soon.
Zoom in: Sinclair Broadcast Group, which is the Cubs' broadcast/streaming partner for Marquee, has signaled it wants to exit its partnership early due to financial issues, which will likely play out in court.
By the numbers: Marquee costs $19.99 a month to stream without a cable or satellite television service but costs more for cable or satellite users who must buy bundled sports plans.
- For instance, it costs $114.99 for the DirecTV package that includes Marquee.
Zoom out: Marquee isn't the only RSN having issues in Chicago. The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) airs the Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks, but has yet to secure a deal with Comcast for distribution.
- CHSN debuted a streaming option late last year, but unofficial surveys show that fans are not watching.
The intrigue: Rumors swirled late last year that Marquee and CHSN could merge, but there is nothing to indicate that is a serious idea.
Reality check: The Cubs and White Sox aren't alone. Major League Baseball is also reeling from television contract issues.
Flashback: Cubs fans lament the days of WGN-TV airing daily games for free. The games were also syndicated in other markets, securing fandom from around the country.
- The Cubs ended their agreement with WGN-TV in 2019 and debuted Marquee on Comcast in 2020.
- The move irked some fans and non-Cubs fans, who were charged a RSN fee ($20.25 a month) even if they didn't want the channel. The fee also covers the Big Ten Network.
The bottom line: It remains to be seen whether Marquee will need to find another streaming partner to replace Sinclair, or if there will be a price increase to adjust for Comcast's inevitable tier change.
What's next: The Cubs take on the Padres at 1:20pm today, with the game broadcasting and streaming on the Marquee Network.