Here is the full text of the press release as announced on the Cubs website:
"The Chicago Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group today announced the launch of Marquee Sports Network to provide increased access and around-the-clock coverage of the team. This new regional sports network will be the exclusive television home of the Chicago Cubs beginning in 2020.
In addition to live game broadcasts, which will continue to feature broadcasters Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies, Marquee Sports Network will provide extensive pregame and postgame coverage, unique Cubs content and other local sports programming.
"We are excited to better serve our fans with expanded and exclusive programming showcasing our remarkable players, beloved ballpark and storied past," said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. "Our dedicated 'Cubs-centric' network will carry all available Cubs games and feature uncompromising, in-depth and behind-the-scenes coverage."
Given its deep relationships with distributors and affiliations with all the major networks, Sinclair Broadcast Group is well-positioned to help ensure the success of Marquee Sports Network.
"This partnership brings together one of the most iconic sports franchises in the country with one of the largest television broadcasting companies," commented Sinclair's President and CEO Chris Ripley. "It is hard to imagine any content that is more unique and valuable than the live sports entertainment the Cubs have been delivering to their fans for more than a century. Sinclair's strength in production, distribution and local sales will support bringing more content to more viewers, all while leveraging the latest technology."
The creation of this network further demonstrates the Ricketts family's long-standing commitment to provide an enhanced experience for Cubs fans.
"From preserving and enhancing Wrigley Field, to building Sloan Park and Gallagher Way, to expanding in-game programming and increasing our social media engagement, our fans are at the heart of everything we do," said Kenney. "It's time we deliver the comprehensive coverage and rich content they desire."
Sinclair is more known for their news coverage as they own and operate 193 stations across the United States. Their news stations have been criticized for their "conservative bias" and they were in the news last year for making their news anchors read a statement saying they were committed to stopping the spread of fake news.
The network will launch for the 2020 season, which means this year will be the last year you will be able to watch games on WGN, who had broadcast games since 1948 and spread the Cubs fanbase nationwide thanks to being broadcast on WGN America.
Launching their own TV network will be another source of revenue for the Cubs, which is obviously extremely important to them considering their very quiet 2018 offseason.
TV deals for teams have been proven to be extremely lucrative for the team. Take the Dodgers for example, they signed a 25 year $8 billion deal with Spectrum back in 2013, and that has helped (along with open-pocketed owners) them be one of the highest spending teams. However, the deal has been controversial as it has left many fans in the dark as other cable networks have been unable to reach a deal with Spectrum to give access to fans.
It's unsure yet whether Cubs fans will run into the same issues, but until deals are reached with the major distributors that will remain to be seen.
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