The Cubs announced Wednesday the launch of their own television network, Marquee Sports Network, in conjunction with Sinclair Broadcasting Group. The regional sports network will begin broadcasting in 2020. The Sun-Times first reported the arrangement in December.
“We are excited to better serve our fans with expanded and exclusive programming showcasing our remarkable players, beloved ballpark and storied past,” Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney said in a statement. “Our dedicated Cubs-centric network will carry all available Cubs games and feature uncompromising, in-depth and behind-the-scenes coverage.”
According to the announcement, play-by-play voice Len Kasper and analyst Jim Deshaies will continue to call the games. The network will need to hire more on-air talent for other programming to fill the 24/7 operation. The announcement said the network would carry unique Cubs content, and Kenney said at the Cubs Convention that non-local teams might be involved.
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While Marquee will be the exclusive TV home of the Cubs, some games still will be available on national networks, such as ESPN and Fox. The Cubs are unlikely to put games on WGN or ABC7 as they try to maximize the value of their network in deals with cable and satellite distributors.
That’s the biggest issue facing Cubs fans, who should expect to pay more to watch the team’s games than they are with NBC Sports Chicago as its current pay-TV home.
