The Cubs are "close to returning to their longtime television home" at WGN in a deal that "keeps about 45 games per season on the Tribune Media station" through '19, according to sources cited by Robert Channick of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. The deal "is being finalized." The Cubs last month announced a five-year deal "to broadcast 25 games per season" on WLS-ABC. Signing back on with WGN "completes the local television schedule for the Cubs, with the balance of games airing on Comcast SportsNet Chicago." The deal also would "sync up the Cubs’ TV and cable rights, allowing the team to pursue" its own RSN beginning in '20. Sources said that the Cubs "may have early termination options if they can establish their regional network sooner." Sources said that WGN-TV in '14 "paid about $250,000 per game and lost $200,000 per game because of weak advertising revenue." Sources added that despite a later start on ad sales, the new rights agreement is "likely more favorable for WGN and could play out better than last year’s deal." Launching an RSN in '20 "could mean big bucks for the Cubs," who earned about $60M last season as the team "split its schedule" between CSN Chicago and WGN-TV (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/7). In Chicago, Bruce Miles reports the games on the upcoming contract "will be carried locally only and not on WGN America" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 1/7).
