Chicago Radio: NBA Bulls May Go To WSCR

The NBA Chicago Bulls, whose multiyear contract with WLS 890 AM may end early through a bankruptcy court ruling Thursday, are negotiating with all-sports station WSCR 670 AM, sources tell The Chicago Tribune.

If there are no snags in the talks with The Score, it’s possible the Bulls could make their debut on the station Saturday when they visit the Clippers.

WLS’ parent company, Atlanta-based Cumulus Media, filed motions earlier this month with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York seeking to nullify “a handful of extremely unprofitable contracts, including those with the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bulls” and its deal to operate and acquire Merlin Media’s Chicago stations, WKQX 101.1 FM and WLUP 97.9 FM.

With a ruling expected Thursday, the Bulls are trying to hammer out the deal with Entercom’s WSCR, which is already the flagship station for the Cubs. Sister station WBBM 780 AM  (simulcast on WCFS 105.9 FM 105.9 renewed its multiyear Bears contract last fall.

According to those with knowledge of the talks but not authorized to discuss them publicly, the NBA team and radio station seek to partner in a way that minimizes the potential downside for either party while recognizing the need to proceed quickly. Arrangements also must be made for when Bulls games conflict with Cubs games.

Speculation on the ultimate destination for the MLB Chicao White Sox has centered on Tribune Media’s WGN 720 AM and Disney-owned ESPN’s WMVP 1000 AM.