Comcast and Chicago Sports Network Reach Cable Agreement, Ending Content Dispute
Revamped Recap:
At long-awaited last, Comcast subscribers in Chicago can finally ditch the antennae to catch the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). After an intense eight-month carriage feud, Comcast and CHSN have reportedly agreed to a deal, with the latter set to grace Comcast's Xfinity Ultimate tier as of June 6, 2025. That's just in time for the Chicago White Sox's home game against the Kansas City Royals. But bear in mind, subscribers who wish to tune into CHSN must upgrade to the Ultimate tier at an extra $20/month.
Ain't that sweet? Now more fans across Chicago and the suburbs will be able to flip through CHSN, reinforcing its status as the go-to destination for Chicago sports, all day, every day. This agreement was first whispered about by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Cable companies like Comcast have been pushing to shift regional sports channels off their basic packages, thinking it'd help bring cable bills down for fans who seldom engage with these channels. Comcast has already carried out this tactic with the FanDuel Sports Network channels (formerly Bally Sports), following a prolonged dispute compounded by Diamond Sports Group's bankruptcy proceedings.
Comcast has even kicked out its own RSNs in California-NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California to the Ultimate tier. But this strategy has been a pain in the neck for RSN owners already battling audience declines thanks to the fall of traditional cable and satellite services. The YES Network, home to the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets, has faced repeated extensions in their current agreement with the company.
Though technically airing on broadcast TV, CHSN needs retransmission agreements with cable operators, satellite companies, and distributors to make it to cable systems. At launch, it had distribution deals with DirecTV, AT&T U-Verse, and Astound (formerly RCN). For Comcast subscribers denied access from day one, the options were to switch providers, or embrace the digital TV antenna life. CHSN also promoted its over-the-top streaming service, priced at $349.99 annually or $29.99 monthly.
CHSN materialized to distribute Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox games after those teams decided not to renew their deals with regional carrier NBC Sports Chicago in the fall of 2024. CHSN, a joint venture between the teams and Standard Media, packs a Chicago-centric sports punch. While White Sox fans celebrate their reinstated access, the agreement sadly missed the mark for Bulls fans hoping to catch their late Play-In Tournament push against the Miami Heat.
Coyote Watch, Part II: In a separate twist, Justin Ishbia agreed to buy control of the Chicago White Sox team from Jerry Reinsdorf as early as 2029, making for a big news day for White Sox fans come June 7, 2025. (The full scoop has been updated with this news, and CHSN's statement to match.)
(Word on the street: The sports world's charging ahead through a wobbly Upfront market.)
- The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) has now found a spot on Comcast's Xfinity Ultimate tier, marking an upfront market move in the industry that could influence finance for both parties.
- Sports enthusiasts across Chicago will have the opportunity to enjoy regional sports such as football, baseball, and basketball on CHSN, contributing to the business growth of these industries.
- The agreement between Comcast and CHSN comes after a new model has emerged in the industry, with cable companies shifting regional sports channels to premium tiers and pushing basic packages.
- As the digital age takes over, traditional cable and satellite services lose ground, posing challenges for regional sports networks (RSNs) like CHSN and the YES Network to maintain and grow their audiences in the ever-evolving upfront market.
