White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks close to deal to move games to Stadium

The White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks are “moving closer to completing a deal that would move their games” to Stadium beginning this fall, according to Jeff Agrest of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. An announcement concerning the multiplatform network could come this week. The teams’ deal with NBC Sports Chicago expires in October, though there is a “possibility that the sides could agree to a six-month extension, in which case Stadium would take over when the Sox begin play next year.” Stadium currently has its offices and studio in United Center; those would convert into a RSN and “seek distribution on pay-TV providers.” It already has a streaming platform in place and “conceivably could offer a direct-to-consumer service from its app.” The teams also are “seeking over-the-air partners to carry the games.” Jerry Reinsdorf, who owns the Bulls and White Sox, acquired majority control of Stadium last spring (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/15).