The Numbers Are in For the Chicago Sports Network, and It's Not Good
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Photo credit: Screen Magazine
The Chicago Blackhawks joined the Bulls, and White Sox to create the Chicago Sports Network this season, and its implementation has been pitiful.
In 2023 the Chicago Blackhawks added their generational talent to the roster with Connor Bedard selected 1st overall in Nashville.
He'd break attendance records with his first year in the lineup for the Blackhawks, and ticket sales would rebound.
Bedard would win the Calder Trophy in 2024, and instead of building upon the momentum from last season, the Blackhawks changed their plans.
Instead of working out a deal with RSN NBC Sports Chicago, they wanted to keep more revenue instead of spending it on carriage fees.
A problem that would plague their newest venture, the Chicago Sports Network as they'd fail to solve the issue with Comcast. Leaving them short-handed, and having to go another route to reach their audience.
Now, as the team has been reconstructed, they've failed to become as competitive as they've sold to be.
Quelle surprise, viewership is down.
The Chicago Bulls are averaging around 10k viewers per game and the Blackhawks around 6k.
For perspective, The Bulls were averaging about 25k viewers per game last year.
For perspective, The Bulls were averaging about 25k viewers per game last year.
The reality of the situation is that CHSN has failed to capture significant viewership this season, for either the Bulls or Blackhawks.
Compared to last season:
The Blackhawks, led by highly touted rookie Connor Bedard, have seen the biggest uptick in local audience, with ratings on NBC Sports Chicago up a whopping 39%. Only the Rangers, Bruins and Penguins have drawn a higher household number on their RSNs this season.
Instead of working with his business partners in a way that serves the Blackhawks fans, Danny Wirtz opted to put the product in a vice-grip, making it difficult to view games, and alienating fans in the process.
While they did develop an app, the criticism is still valid and remains an issue to this day.
The team should've maintained a consistent presence on an RSN like NBC Sports Chicago instead of a poorly implemented product like CHSN.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 15 | 90 ANSWERS The Numbers Are in For the Chicago Sports Network, and It's Not Good Do you think owner Danny Wirtz of the Chicago Blackhawks should have left NBC Sports Chicago? | ||
| Yes | 29 | 32.2 % |
| No | 61 | 67.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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