History of Marquee Sports Network in Timeline

Marquee Sports Network is a regional sports network owned by the Chicago Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group. Launched in February 2020, it serves as the exclusive broadcaster for Chicago Cubs games that are not aired nationally. The network replaced previous broadcasting arrangements, consolidating Cubs game coverage into a single channel.

November 16, 2015: Cubs Seek to Launch In-House Regional Sports Network

On November 16, 2015, the Cubs' president of business operations Crane Kenney stated that the team was seeking to launch its own in-house regional sports network after its current broadcast contracts with NBC Sports Chicago, WGN Sports, and WLS-TV expire.

December 18, 2018: Team Preparing to Launch RSN "Marquee" in 2020

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

May 1, 2019: David Kaplan Renews Contract with NBC Sports Chicago

On May 1, 2019, it was reported that David Kaplan—NBC Sports Chicago studio host for Cubs games—had renewed his contract with the channel, dispelling rumors that he planned to join Marquee.

May 22, 2019: Michael McCarthy Named General Manager

On May 22, 2019, Michael McCarthy was named general manager of the Marquee Sports Network after being the Cubs' consultant on the channel.

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

On July 11, 2019, Sinclair secured Marquee's first major carriage agreement with Charter Communications. As part of the multi-year carriage agreement, Marquee was bundled alongside Sinclair's owned-and-operated television stations, Tennis Channel and the regional Fox Sports Networks.

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August 22, 2019: Sinclair and Entertainment Studios Acquire Fox Sports Networks

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

October 17, 2019: AT&T Agrees to Carry Marquee on Television Services

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

November 6, 2019: Sinclair Reaches Deal with Mediacom to Carry Marquee Sports Network

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

February 17, 2020: Marquee Announces Agreement with Hulu's Live Streaming Service

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

July 24, 2020: First Regular-Season Game Aired

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic postponing the start of the season, Marquee Sports Network's first regular-season game was on July 24, 2020.

May 2022: Chicago Sky Announce Multi-Year Broadcast Agreement

In May 2022, the Chicago Sky announced a multi-year broadcast agreement with the Marquee Sports Network.

July 2023: Marquee Launches Standalone Streaming Service

In July 2023, Marquee launched a standalone in-market streaming service priced at $19.99 a month. With the service's launch, Marquee also upgraded its streaming video quality to 1080p.

October 2024: Channel Lacks New Deal with Comcast

In October 2024, it was reported that the channel had not yet reached a new deal with Comcast after its four-year agreement had expired, and had continued to be carried through short-term extensions.