A New "Standard" for the Bulls, Blackhawks & White Sox
Posted by ABRockNJock on May 4, 2024, 6:48 pm
A few weeks ago, there were rumblings that the Bulls, Blackhawks & White Sox were going to bolt NBC Sports Chicago for a revamped Stadium Network when the teams' contract with NBCSC expires in October. Now, there seems to be a change in plans.
According to The Athletic, the 3 teams are reportedly going to sign on with Standard Media Group instead. The network, based in Nashville, currently owns TV stations in at least 4 other states.
It is a change in plans when considering Bulls/Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf bought controlling interest in Stadium last year. The digital sports network already has studios & offices instead the United Center. The reports of Reinsdorf acquiring controlling interest in Stadium also fueled speculation that the 3 teams were going to leave NBCSC and talk of a revamped, more mainstream Stadium. That no longer appears to be the case.
If you can get through the pay wall, here is the link to The Athletic story:
An update to this story...And if you're confused, you aren't alone. This looks really messy now.
According to the Sun-Times' Jeff Agrest, while Standard Media Group is investing in a new regional sports network and providing distribution, the Nashville-based media company won't provide content to the rumored new home of the Bulls, Blackhawks & White Sox. Agrest says that Stadium Network will be doing the heavy lifting after all.
Stadium will maintain its name when it converts into a more mainstream RSN this fall and that it'll maintain continuity from the teams' current home of NBC Sports Chicago.
Agrest's story can be found here. I apologize on my end if there's any confusion. I know I'm not alone.