The Chicago Bulls are owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, who also owns the Chicago White Sox. He bought the Bulls in 1985 and has remained in that position to this day, overseeing the Michael Jordan title years, the Derrick Rose years, and everything in between. Recently, he made another move in the sports space.
Reinsdorf helped found Stadium, a multi-platform sports network, back in 2017, and he just recently gained majority control over the company. Stadium has worked with Bally Sports and is known for its college programming. In addition, it’s very well-known for its Twitter presence, as Shams Charania is under Stadium’s umbrella. Now, Reinsdorf could look to take it to the next level.
Daniel Greenberg reported on the news via Twitter, and he believes there’s a chance Reinsdorf will use his newfound controlling stake to create his own sports programming network for the Bulls, White Sox, and Chicago Blackhawks, as their streaming deal with NBC Sports Chicago expires in 2024.
“Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf has taken majority control of Stadium after buying out Sinclair Broadcasting.
“The broadcasting deal with NBC Sports Chicago for the White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks expires in 2024. Jerry could start his own network,” Greenberg tweeted.
Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf has taken majority control of Stadium after buying out Sinclair Broadcasting.
The broadcasting deal with NBC Sports Chicago for the White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks expires in 2024. Jerry could start his own network.
(Via @FOS)
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) May 30, 2023
Chicago fans are not often fond of Reinsdorf, and a potential decision to create his own network would likely only create another rift. While it may help out-of-network fans be able to watch the games, it would be yet another charge for local fans.
Nothing will change for at least another year, but Reinsdorf’s recent moves are at least something to keep an eye on.
