History of Marquee Sports Network in Timeline

Marquee Sports Network is a regional sports network owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and the Chicago Cubs, launched in February 2020. It serves as the exclusive broadcaster for Chicago Cubs baseball games not aired on national television, consolidating the Cubs' broadcasting previously spread across multiple channels.

November 16, 2015: Cubs Seek to Launch In-House RSN

On November 16, 2015, Crane Kenney, the Cubs' president of business operations, stated in an interview with WSCR radio that the team was seeking to launch its own in-house regional sports network after its broadcast contracts expire.

December 18, 2018: Reports of Marquee Launch in 2020

On December 18, 2018, it was reported that the Cubs were preparing to launch its RSN, "Marquee", in 2020, with Sinclair Broadcast Group as a frontrunner to serve as managing partner.

February 2019: Official announcement of the joint venture

In February 2019, the Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group officially announced their joint venture to launch Marquee Sports Network in 2020.

May 1, 2019: David Kaplan Renews Contract

On May 1, 2019, David Kaplan renewed his contract with NBC Sports Chicago, dispelling rumors that he planned to join Marquee.

May 22, 2019: Michael McCarthy Named General Manager

On May 22, 2019, Michael McCarthy was appointed as the general manager of Marquee Sports Network.

July 11, 2019: First Major Carriage Agreement with Charter Communications

On July 11, 2019, Sinclair secured Marquee's first major carriage agreement with Charter Communications.

August 22, 2019: Sinclair Acquires Fox Sports Networks

On August 22, 2019, Sinclair and Entertainment Studios acquired Fox Sports Networks for $10.6 billion, making Marquee a sister network to them.

October 17, 2019: Carriage Agreement with AT&T

On October 17, 2019, AT&T agreed to carry Marquee on its television services as part of a multi-year carriage agreement with Sinclair.

November 6, 2019: Carriage Deal with Mediacom

On November 6, 2019, Sinclair reached a deal with Mediacom to carry Marquee Sports Network.

February 2020: Distribution Deals Secured

As of February 2020, Sinclair secured distribution deals with Charter Communications, RCN, DirecTV, Mediacom, and Frontier Communications to carry Marquee Sports Network at launch.

February 17, 2020: Agreement with Hulu

On February 17, 2020, Marquee Sports Network announced an agreement to carry the network on Hulu's live streaming service.

February 22, 2020: Marquee Sports Network Launch

On February 22, 2020, Marquee Sports Network, operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group and the Chicago Cubs, launched as the exclusive broadcaster of Cubs games, replacing NBC Sports Chicago, WLS-TV and WGN-TV.

July 24, 2020: First Regular-Season Game

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the start of the season, Marquee Sports Network aired its first regular-season game on July 24, 2020.

October 2020: Partnership with Chicago Bears

In October 2020, the Chicago Bears partnered with Marquee Sports Network. As part of the agreement, the channel aired a weekly show named "Bear Essentials" as well as a replay of that week's Bears game throughout the season.

2020: Mixed Fan Reception, Boo's

In 2020, Marquee Sports Network experienced mixed reception from fans, which culminated in fans booing Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts at the Cubs Convention after the mention of the new network.

2021: Broadcast Tweaks for 2021 Season

For the 2021 season, Marquee's Cubs broadcasts underwent tweaks, including relaxing the dress code for commentators and replacing the unorthodox bottom-centered score bar with a more traditional scoreboard.

May 9, 2022: Marquee Available Nationwide on DirecTV Sports Pack

On May 9, 2022, it was announced that Marquee would be available nationwide with DirecTV's Sports Pack, subject to appropriate blackouts.

2022: Conference USA Ends Partnership

In 2022, Conference USA ended its relationship with Stadium, which produced football and men's basketball content for Marquee Sports Network.

July 2023: Launch of Standalone Streaming Service

In July 2023, Marquee launched a standalone in-market streaming service priced at $19.99 a month and upgraded its streaming video quality to 1080p.

2023: Sinclair Sold Stake in Stadium

In 2023, Sinclair sold its stake in Stadium to Silver Chalice.

October 2024: Comcast Deal Negotiations

In October 2024, it was reported that Marquee Sports Network had not yet reached a new deal with Comcast after its four-year agreement expired, and Comcast is looking to add the channel to its Ultimate tier.