With all of the talk about the Chicago Cubs opting out of their WGN deal so that their cable and broadcast TV rights would expire at the same time, the Cubs might end up turning back to their long-time partner. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs and WGN are in talks to renew their partnership for 2015, possibly with more games getting moved to CSN Chicago and revenue sharing in place.
Back in September, we discussed how a return to WGN was still in the cards because of the lack of a viable alternative. Any new deal signed between the two parties would expire after 2019, just like the Cubs deal with CSN Chicago. WGN apparently became interested in bringing the team back on a short-term deal because of the excitement surrounding the franchise following the hiring of Joe Maddon, the ongoing renovation of Wrigley Field, and the impending arrival of a number of talented young prospects.
Going back to WGN isn’t ideal, but right now, it’s the best possible option for the Cubs. The team reportedly hasn’t been talking with Fox “for quite some time”, making a move to WPWR less and less likely. The biggest group of losers in this situation is likely fans of the Chicago White Sox, who would likely see games shifted to CSN Chicago’s alternate feed with more Cubs games possibly landing on the flagship CSN channel in the city.
Rest easy, Chicago area Cubs fans – it doesn’t look like this historic partnership will be ending quite yet.
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