In Chicago, Jeff Agrest reported the Cubs’ game next Tuesday against the Brewers will be simulcast on the team's Marquee Sports Network and Weigel Broadcasting’s WCIU-CW. Marquee will use the game as a “promotional tool,” and Weigel will “make it known that it’s available to air local teams’ games.” Marquee has made its spring-training broadcasts free for non-subscribers on its DTC streaming service and WCI is available on streaming services Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, neither of which carry Marquee. Weigel effectively is “throwing its hat in the ring for teams looking for a place to air games.” The Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox are “exploring their options for broadcast partners, including over-the-air possibilities,” as they approach the end of their contract with NBC Sports Chicago in October. Weigel already carries games for both the NWSL's Red Stars and WNBA's Sky (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/4).
COMING OUT STRONG: In Michigan, Brandon Champion wrote the reviews are in on Bally Sports’ new Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti, and the hire “appears to be a home run.” Benetti made his Tigers broadcasting debut alongside Craig Monroe and Johnny Kane on Monday and the reception on social media “appeared to be overwhelmingly positive,” with many pointing out a “livelier, more energetic broadcast and Benetti’s willingness to dive into topics like advanced metrics in a fun and appealing way” (MLIVE, 3/4).
