Chicago sports fans in Illinois and Indiana will be able to watch NBA, MLB, and NHL games for free on television, as Gray Television has announced plans to broadcast these games over the air.
The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), a new Regional Sports Network (RSN), has officially launched its operations, bringing the excitement of local sports to households in Rockford, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana. The network, owned by Standard Media, Wirtz Corp., and Jerry Reinsdorf, has taken over from NBC Sports Chicago, which ceased operations on Sept. 30, 2024.
CHSN's broadcast schedule is packed with games, pre- and postgame shows, in-depth commentary, and 24/7 multisport programming. The network will deliver live games from the NBA's Chicago Bulls, NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, and Major League Baseball's Chicago White Sox to over 500,000 households in the two markets.
In Rockford, CHSN will air on WSLN channel 19.3, with overflow on channel 19.4, while in South Bend, the network will be available on WNDU channel 16.2, with overflow on channel 16.4. Gray's television games will also be available in markets outside of the Gray footprint via third-party broadcast partners.
The network's commitment to reaching fans outside of Chicago proper who may have not had the opportunity to watch games in the past is evident in its coverage. CHSN will broadcast from state-of-the-art studios in Chicago's United Center and at Guaranteed Rate Field.
In addition to live games, CHSN will provide pre- and postgame shows, in-depth commentary from seasoned sports analysts, and 24/7 multisport programming. The network's launch comes after a collaboration with Gray Media for broadcasting sports programs featuring the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, and Chicago White Sox in Rockford, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana, starting in 2020.
Gray recently signed a deal with the Missouri Valley Conference to air its games in 22 Gray Media markets. This partnership with Gray allows CHSN to provide more options for its Chicago fans. The overflow channels will allow the stations to air two games simultaneously in the event of schedule conflicts.
CHSN's launch is not limited to the Gulf Coast as it has also launched the Rock Entertainment Sports Network, featuring local (non-major league) sports teams in Cleveland and Cincinnati. Gray's Raycom Sports division has also launched "Big 12 Studios," a new venture to deliver original programming and content to fans as a FAST (free ad-supported television) channel.
Gray is committed to returning live sports to free over-the-air TV. The network's launch with the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network is a testament to this commitment. CHSN's broadcast schedule will include locally broadcast regular-season games, select preseason games, and select coverage of playoff matchups for the Blackhawks and Bulls.
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