With the changing TV landscape and the demise of many regional sports networks across America, Cubs' President of Business Operations Crane Kenney is worried regarding his team's own RSN, Marquee Sports Network, and its own deal with Comcast/Xfinity. Kenney is concerned that Cub fans might soon be shutout on one of the nation's largest cable systems in their own backyard.
On 670 AM The SCORE's "Bernstein & Holmes Show", Kenney is concerned about Marquee's own deal with Xfinity, which expires in September. Marquee's own deal with Comcast/Xfinity in 2020 was reached one day before the pandemic-shortened season.
He specifically mentioned Xfinity blacking out 15 RSNs, the bankruptcy status of Diamond/Bally Sports, plus fans in cities such as Atlanta, Milwaukee & Detroit not being able to watch their respective teams.
In Denver, the Colorado Rockies' own RSN, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, signed off completely at the end of last season. A bitter dispute between Xfinity & Altitude Sports Network there also prevented the Rockies from joining the TV home of the Denver Nuggets & Colorado Avalanche. Instead, the Rockies signed on with MLB Advanced Media to distribute and air their games this season, similar to the San Diego Padres & Arizona Diamondbacks last season. That coincided with the teams leaving Bally Sports regionals there.
The Cubs' President of Business Operations also mentioned White Sox/Bulls' Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf's plans to leave NBC Sports Chicago at season's end to start up the new Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) with the Blackhawks. That network is scheduled to launch in October.
Kenney's comments about Marquee & Xfinity date back to May 31, but you can read about it here:
on June 11, 2024, 12:49 pm