NBC Sports Chicago made it official Wednesday, announcing a multi-year media rights agreement with the Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox. The deal, pending MLB, NBA and NHL approval, would create a new partnership starting with the 2019-2020 season.
The new deal means the Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox games will no longer air on WGN or other regional networks, giving NBC Sports Chicago all non-nationally televised games, including first round playoff coverage for the Blackhawks and Bulls. WGN Radio will remain the Blackhawks’ flagship radio station.
The Cubs, meanwhile, will leave the NBC Sports Chicago platform with plans to create their own network after the 2019 season. NBC Sports Chicago, previously called Comcast SportsNet Chicago, held broadcasting rights to all four teams since 2004.
“Blackhawks fans should be very excited that we are continuing our partnership with NBC Sports Chicago,” Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said in a release. “In addition to raising the bar on our game day broadcasts, NBC Sports Chicago has elevated non-game day television coverage and evolved their digital and social media platforms into some of the most viewer-friendly in the industry.”