Arts & Entertainment
Chicago Sports Network Announces Streaming Service for Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox Games
A still from promotional video for Chicago Sports Network. (Courtesy of Chicago Sports Network)
Starting Friday, Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox fans will have the option of watching games on a new direct-to-consumer, subscription-based streaming service, the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) announced Thursday.
CHSN launched in October to replace NBC Sports Chicago, which had been the longtime home of the Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox, after the teams’ contracts with the now-defunct regional sports network expired.
Subscription packages will start at $19.99 per month for one team or $29.99 per month for full access to CHSN, including all three teams’ live games, according to a press release. Fans will be able to get a free 7-day trial for a package of their choice.
“Today’s announcement is the next step in our long- term commitment to Chicago sports fans everywhere and is another new and compelling way for us to serve and connect with them,” CHSN President Jason Coyle said in a press release.
The Thursday announcement comes as Comcast Xfinity customers have been without access to viewing games during the current Blackhawks and Bulls seasons.
The direct-to-consumer streaming service will be available on the CHSN app, for iOS and Android, or on any web browser. The service features a “CHSN Live Game Center” that includes live streams of games, real-time game coverage with in-game highlights and pre-game and post-game coverage, according to a press release.
CHSN is a partnership with the Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox teams and the Nashville-based Standard Media. The October launch of CHSN was announced back in June.
The sports network is also available on DIRECTV, U-Verse, Astound RCN, Fubo and through a digital antenna. CHSN is not available on Comcast Xfinity, the largest cable provider in the Chicago area.
A spokesperson with Comcast did not respond to inquiries from WTTW News about whether it plans to carry CHSN and the latest on negotiations with the sports network.
Last week, Xfinity customers were notified they would receive a $8.85 credit to their Regional Sports Network fees due to NBC Sports Chicago no longer being available. Xfinity told customers it would continue to apply the credit to their monthly bill until the RSN fee is adjusted.
The shutdown of NBC Sports Chicago, formerly known as Comcast SportsNet, comes as regional sports networks struggle to find secure footing amid changing viewing habits and consumers shifting away from bundled cable packages.
The Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox had aired their games on NBC Sports Chicago since 2004.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: @eunicealpasan | 773-509-5362 | [email protected]
