The Blackhawks have already proven they’re not exactly a bottom-feeder this season on the ice, putting some great showings together despite a 2-3-1 start. They’ve looked good compared to last season’s lineup and should post a much better finish next spring.
But many fans in Chicago haven’t even been able to watch their team transform. The debut of the new Chicago Sports Network, CHSN, was once an exciting premise. Now, though, it’s turned into the Blackhawks’ worst nightmare. The network has yet to agree to a deal to broadcast games on Comcast/Xfinity, leaving thousands of fans in the dark. The fact that the Bulls start their season on Wednesday certainly doesn’t calm anyone down.
On Saturday, CHSN President Jason Coyle revealed that the Blackhawks may not be back on local screens anytime soon. Coyle spent a few minutes with reporters before the game, where he pulled back the curtains on current negotiations, or a lack thereof.
Most of the other TV mediums have made a decision on CHSN – DirecTV reached an agreement with them last month and Youtube TV likely won’t be pursuing them. Coyle apparently hinted at possible negotiations with Fubo, but there’s nothing yet on that front.
Still, in order to reach the majority of the local audience (which is furious right now), the network will have to come to an agreement with Comcast/Xfinity. But if Coyle’s comments are any indication, Comcast is much less interested, or is at least aware that they hold all the cards. If CHSN is already offering to take less money for their services, that’s a slippery slope to the network getting a pretty raw deal.
Coyle’s comments about a potential app are interesting – there’s no proof or idea of how “ready” that app is. If Comcast is indeed not close to accepting a deal, it’s probably time to start rolling that app out, especially with the Bulls tipping off in just a few days. Then again, the app being “almost ready” for release could mean anything. If recent events are any indication, it may not be ready at all. For now, Chicago sports fans are out of luck.
