New details emerge in Comcast and Chicago Sports Network dispute

Some Chicago sports fans remain in a state of flux regarding how to watch their local teams as the brand new regional sports network, Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), remains in a dispute to secure carriage on Comcast’s cable systems.

Comcast is the largest pay-TV provider in the Chicago area, and CHSN is the new television home for the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, NBA’s Chicago Bulls and MLB’s Chicago White Sox. As both the NHL and NBA seasons get underway, many Chicago fans are left wondering how they can watch their local teams.

Recently, negotiations between the two sides were described as “day to day and hour to hour.” As is usual in these disputes, at the crux of the issue is CHSN’s tiering in Comcast’s cable packages.

Per a report in The Athletic on Saturday, CHSN is seeking “to be available to as many fans as possible,” meaning they’d like to be included on one of Comcast’s basic tiers that most customers subscribe to. Comcast wants to include CHSN on its highest tier, a departure from where CHSN’s predecessor, NBC Sports Chicago, was included on the cable provider’s middle tier.

In an effort to be available in as many homes as possible, CHSN is reportedly in negotiations with Fubo and Hulu, two of the largest virtual multichannel video providers in the country. CHSN is also available for free over-the-air via an antenna. Per the report, the network is also developing a direct-to-consumer streaming service, though that is not expected to launch until carriage agreements are finalized.

Comcast customers in Chicago have already missed out on two Blackhawks regular season games due to the dispute. The Bulls open their regular season on October 23rd against the New Orleans Pelicans in a game slated for CHSN.

[ The Athletic ]

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