Chicago Radio: Cubs Could Be Headed To WBBM-AM

WBBM 780 AM has emerged as the leading candidate to become the new radio home of the Cubs, according to The Chicago Tribune.

The CBS-owned outlet is using all of its local stations in a synergistic bid to land the rights to the Cubs, beginning with the 2015 season, according to team and industry sources. If the team goes with WBBM, it would end its long relationship with WGN-AM 720, which dates back to 1925.

It was WGN's decision to put the Cubs' rights on the market after it exercised an option to reopen its contract with the team last fall. Broadcast sources say WGN is losing significant money on the Cubs broadcasts, with listeners and advertisers tuning out a ballclub that has lost 197 games in the last two years.

Reportedly, the Cubs have one of most lucrative radio deals in baseball, valued at an estimated $10 million per year. Despite the rough times, there is an expectation the Cubs still will be able to maintain that revenue level, and perhaps even improve it.

If CBS lands the Cubs, their games would be on WBBM-AM. Meanwhile, the all-news format would air on WCFS 96.3 FM.

However, a possible deal with CBS would extend beyond just airing games. Locally, CBS also owns WBBM-96.3 FM, a top 40 station; Classic Rock WJMK 104.3 FM, classic rock; Alternative WXRT 93.1 FM and Country WUSN 99.5 FM.

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