• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 1, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

New Chicago RSN Features 3 Losing Teams. What’s the Plan?

  • The Jerry Reinsdorf–led regional sports network debuts in a challenged market environment.
  • Programming will seek to offer a more dedicated focus on all facets of Chicago sports.
David Banks-Imagn Images

The new Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) is the realization of a business plan based on creating a regional sports network in a period of accelerating market decline, and doing so with three pro teams that are currently among the worst in their respective leagues. 

Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? CHSN’s leaders insist it’s anything but, and Tuesday’s debut of the RSN marks an intent to buck prevailing market trends and serve the Chicago market in a way it hasn’t been before.

CHSN formally begins Tuesday night with an exhibition game of the NHL’s Blackhawks, kicking off a coverage plan featuring that team, the NBA’s Bulls, and MLB’s White Sox starting with the 2025 season. Originally announced in June, CHSN marks a significant step by Jerry Reinsdorf, Bulls and White Sox owner, to take greater control of his local media fortunes.

Reinsdorf struck agreements with Tennessee-based Standard Media and the Wirtz family who owns the Blackhawks to form the CHSN joint venture, which will succeed NBC Sports Chicago. That Comcast-controlled entity had shown the three teams since 2004, and it is now shutting down.

“I get asked ‘why now?’ a lot in various ways,” Jason Coyle, the former Stadium president serving in the same role for CHSN, tells Front Office Sports. “What I find myself saying is, ‘Give us a chance. Drop in on any day, and see what we do.’ We’re going about trying to tell everyone that we’re different, and then show them.”

Distribution Matters

CHSN does not have a carriage agreement with Comcast, a dominant entity in the Chicago area, and as talks continue between the two sides, that situation will be closely watched. If a deal is struck there, it’s likely that CHSN will be placed on a more premium tier, similar to how Comcast has treated other RSNs around the country, including those owned by Diamond Sports Group.

The new RSN, however, does have distribution deals with DirecTV, now merging with Dish Network, and AT&T’s U-verse. Industry sources said another deal with Astound (formerly RCN) is imminent. CHSN also will be prioritizing over-the-air availability also increasing in favor with teams leaving the traditional RSN environment. 

“We see an opportunity to start over and try to develop a different type of model,” Coyle says. 

Local Focus

In addition to core game coverage of the three pro teams, CHSN will feature extensive pregame and postgame coverage based in part from a new atrium studio at the United Center, home of the Bulls and Blackhawks. A similar setup is being developed for the White Sox’ Guaranteed Rate Field. In both locales, the idea is to capture on camera a fan energy not unlike what’s seen on ESPN’s College GameDay

CHSN’s studio programming, meanwhile, will include a battery of original content and seek a deep focus on all parts of the Chicago sports market, including high school competition. A network cornerstone will be The Chicago Lead, a nightly show featuring a variety of news, features, and analysis—and often act as the direct lead-in into team-specific pregame coverage.

“This is purpose-built for the Chicago market,” Coyle says. “Even down to the name. ‘Chicago’ hasn’t been front and center in the names of many of the other channels here. But there’s going to be a lot of custom-built programming tailored specifically to this market.”

As for the teams, the White Sox just set a modern-era MLB record for losses in a season. The Bulls have not won a playoff series since 2015 and have been in the postseason just once in the last seven years, and the Blackhawks have an active non-playoff streak going into its fifth season. 

Chicago’s other RSN, Marquee Sports Network, remains in operation and is centered on its coverage of MLB’s Cubs and the WNBA’s Sky.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Barstool

Barstool Sues For Millions Over Failed Sponsorship Deal 

The media company says it was stiffed to the tune of $4.2 million.

Parsons Trade Reinforces Packers As NFL TV Powerhouse

Betting odds surge for Green Bay after acquiring the star defensive end.
Jason Kelce
exclusive

YouTube Approached Jason Kelce for Chiefs Game, ESPN Said No

ESPN continues to enforce its policy of not lending talents to streamers.

Fox, YouTube TV Reach Deal, Avoiding CFB Blackout

Saturday’s Texas-Ohio State college football game will be fully distributed

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.
August 26, 2025

NFL Sunday Ticket Debuts Monthly Plan—but at a Steep Cost

Previously, fans had to purchase the service for the entire season.
August 21, 2025

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.