The Chicago Cubs are reportedly working on creating their own independent cable TV channel to broadcast their games and more content. Broadcasting And Cable reports today that the Cubs current deal with NBC Sports Chicago is set to expire after the 2019 season, and the popular MLB franchise is making moves to launch their own venture on TV.
Mike McCarthy who previously was the CEO of the St. Louis Blues in the NHL and formerly lead the MSG Network in New York City, has been hired by the Cubs according to industry sources.
NBC Sports Group is a partner in NBC Sports Chicago along with the Cubs, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bulls of the NBA and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, with each team holding 20% since 2004.
“We’re still in negotiations with our team partners and remain fully committed to the sports business in Chicago,” NBC Sports Chicago said in a statement.
Other big baseball franchises like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox all have their own regional cable channels so this would not be the firs titme.
