Thursday, February 14, 2019

Sinclair, MLB Cubs to Launch Regional Sports Network

The Chicago Cubs announced Wednesday that the team is launching a new regional sports network with Sinclair Broadcasting.

According to WLS-TV7, the new network will be called Marquee Sports Network and will be the exclusive home station for Chicago Cubs games beginning in 2020.

"We are excited to better serve our fans with expanded and exclusive programming showcasing our remarkable players, beloved ballpark and storied past," said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. "Our dedicated 'Cubs-centric' network will carry all available Cubs games and feature uncompromising, in-depth and behind-the-scenes coverage."

The Chicago Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group say that fans will get unprecedented coverage of the team 24/7. Expect live game broadcasts and extensive pre-game and post-game coverage along with other Cubs content.

This new regional sports network will now become the exclusive television home of the Cubs, marking the end of Cubs broadcasts on WGN, ABC7 and NBC Sports Chicago. The new marriage with Sinclair, which is one of the largest television broadcasting companies, means the Cubs will have built-in leverage with cable providers, unlike some teams which have had trouble in the past getting cable companies to sign on.

A Cubs spokesperson said this partnership with Sinclair will be very lucrative for the organization, but he would not discuss the financial details. And the revenue could mean the Cubs could pay top dollar for top talent.

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