The president of the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), Jason Coyle, has publicly expressed his readiness to negotiate a carriage agreement with Comcast, which has so far refused to engage in meaningful discussions. This standoff is particularly concerning for fans of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox, who are missing games due to the lack of a deal.
Key Takeaways
- CHSN has made two offers to Comcast without receiving any counteroffers.
- Coyle emphasizes a willingness to reduce fees to increase viewership.
- The network is available on several platforms but not on Comcast.
- CHSN is exploring a direct-to-consumer app to reach fans directly.
- The absence of a deal is impacting local teams’ revenues and fan engagement.
Ongoing Negotiations
In a recent meeting with reporters, Coyle revealed that CHSN has made two proposals to Comcast, including a significant fee reduction compared to the previous agreement with NBC Sports Chicago. Despite these efforts, Comcast has not made any offers in return, leading to frustration among CHSN executives.
Coyle stated, "We are willing, in order to ensure more people can watch, to take less money. They’ve given us zero offers to say ‘yes’ to." This lack of engagement from Comcast is particularly troubling as the NBA season approaches, with Bulls fans set to miss their first regular-season game soon.
Availability of CHSN
Currently, CHSN is accessible through various platforms, including DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, U-Verse, and Astound/RCN. Additionally, over-the-air service is expected to expand to more cities in the coming weeks. However, Coyle confirmed that CHSN will not be available on YouTube TV, which has shifted away from regional sports networks.
Future Plans
Coyle mentioned that CHSN is in talks with Fubo for a potential agreement, which could provide another avenue for fans to access games. Furthermore, the network is developing a direct-to-consumer app, similar to the Marquee Sports Network’s offering, allowing fans to subscribe directly without needing a cable provider.
However, Coyle expressed concerns that launching this app might further deter Comcast from negotiating, as it could reduce their incentive to reach a deal. He stated, "This is a significant potential partnership and one that our fans and their customers do want."
Impact on Local Teams
The ongoing negotiations have significant implications for local teams. The Chicago Blackhawks, for instance, have already seen a decline in revenue from local TV deals, which Chairman Danny Wirtz noted is affecting the franchise’s financial health. The longer CHSN remains without a deal, the more pronounced these negative effects will be.
Coyle remains hopeful that the start of the NBA season will prompt Comcast to reconsider its position. He stated, "We are ready to move fast. We are already out there at a significant discount. We just want to give the fans the games that they want."
As the situation develops, fans and teams alike are left waiting for a resolution that could restore access to their favorite sports teams and improve the financial outlook for local franchises.
Sources
- Chicago Sports Network president says he’s ready to make a deal with Comcast, but it is refusing – Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Sun-Times.
