The Chicago Sports Network issued a statement Saturday to local sports fans worried about its ongoing carriage dispute with Comcast, claiming it has made an offer with a “substantial reduction” in fees to the cable provider.
CHSN is a joint venture between Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, Standard Media and Chicago Blackhawks parent company the Wirz Corp. The new network, which launched Oct. 1, will carry Bulls, White Sox and Blackhawks games.
But the Blackhawks season is already underway, and the Bulls begin play Oct. 23, yet CHSN still does not have a carriage agreement with Comcast, the largest pay-TV provider in the Chicago area. The main point of contention, according to The Athletic, is the new network wants to be included on Comcast’s basic tier of channels, while the cable provider wants to place it on the highest (more expensive to consumers) tier.
The new network’s statement addressed the state of negotiations with Comcast, claiming CHSN has made “multiple offers without receiving any counter-offers in return.”
“In our last offer, we proposed a substantial reduction in total fees versus what they previously paid NBC Sports Chicago. We again ask Xfinity/Comcast to come to the negotiating table and get a deal done so fans can watch our games.”
The statement also included a website, www.getchsn.com, fans could visit to request Comcast make a deal.
“We share your frustration and encourage you to continue to voice your concerns,” the statement continued.
A statement from CHSN: pic.twitter.com/8p8hacwOXJ
— Chicago Sports Network (@CHSN__) October 19, 2024
Chicago Sports Network’s statement also listed alternative viewing options for fans. CHSN has already reached distribution deals in the area with DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, U-verse and Astound/RCN and is reportedly negotiating with Hulu and Fubo. It is also available over-the-air via an antenna.
[Chicago Sports Network on X, Photo Credit: Chicago Sports Network on YouTube]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.