The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) is set to revolutionize sports broadcasting in the Chicagoland area with its launch on October 1. The new 24/7 sports channel, backed by the Chicago White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks, will become the exclusive home for over 300 live game broadcasts annually, along with pre-and post-game shows and 24/7 multisport programming. This launch follows the expiration of NBC Sports Chicago’s rights, marking a shift in how Chicago sports fans will consume their favorite teams’ games.
In a groundbreaking move, CHSN will offer its programming over the air (OTA), making it accessible to viewers without a cable or satellite subscription. This means Chicagoans can tune in to channels 62.2 and 62.3 via an OTA antenna. For many households—particularly the estimated 600,000 in the Chicago Designated Market Area (DMA) without pay-TV—the return to OTA broadcasting brings a cost-effective solution to watch live games. With cable cutting on the rise and pay-TV subscriptions plummeting, CHSN is strategically positioning itself to reach as many fans as possible, whether they are traditional pay-TV subscribers or rely on antennas.
“Fan-first has been our north star,” said Jason Coyle, president of CHSN. This approach is reflected in the decision to partner with WJYS TV, a local independent station, allowing CHSN to broadcast simultaneously when two teams, such as the Bulls and Blackhawks, play at the same time. The move to OTA broadcasting is a response to the changing media landscape, where cord-cutting is rapidly altering how fans access sports content.
In addition to the over-the-air offerings, CHSN will work towards expanding its digital footprint. While there is no immediate plan for a direct-to-consumer streaming service, Coyle confirmed that CHSN will have a companion app at launch. This hybrid strategy aims to cater to both traditional viewers and those who prefer digital platforms for streaming live events.
The Chicago Sports Network will also feature top-tier talent for its pre-and post-game coverage, bringing familiar faces like Pat Boyle, Jason Goff, and K.C. Johnson from NBC Sports Chicago. With studios located at the United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field, the broadcasts will offer fan-immersive experiences, further connecting Chicago’s dedicated sports fan base to their favorite teams.
Despite the excitement surrounding the launch, CHSN faces challenges. The network debuts during a period of poor performance from all three of its partnered teams. The White Sox, in particular, are coming off one of the worst seasons in MLB history. Yet, Coyle remains optimistic, seeing the potential to build lasting connections with fans through CHSN’s diverse and widely accessible programming.
As regional sports networks across the country grapple with the decline of pay TV, CHSN’s OTA strategy could serve as a blueprint for the future of sports broadcasting, ensuring that even in an evolving media landscape, Chicago sports remain within reach for all fans.
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