CHSN launches new DTC service
The new home of the Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox finally launched a direct-to-consumer streaming service. But is it worth the price?
Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) finally released details on its new direct-to-consumer service, which launches today. But pricing leaves a lot to be desired.
Details were released Thursday for the new offering featuring Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox games. But unlike other RSNs who offer their product for one monthly or yearly price, CHSN is introducing pricing tiers for each team, with $19.99 a month for one team and $29.99 a month for all three, with a seven-day free trial. The app will have The CHSN Live Game Center featuring live streams of all three teams, real-time game coverage with in-game highlights, and pre-game and post-game programming. There is no yearly option.
By comparison, Marquee, which carries Cubs, Sky, and various high school sports, has a $19.99 flat monthly fee.
The DTC app will also carry CHSN’s original programming slate. Those who receive CHSN through their cable or satellite provider can soon use their credentials to access the app. CHSN has deals with DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Astound/RCN, and U-verse – but not Comcast, which is still mired in negotiations with the provider.
“We are excited to offer Chicago sports fans a one-of-a-kind digital product enabling immediate access to live games and a complement of personalized, on-demand content,” CHSN President Jason Coyle said. “[Thursday’s] announcement is the next step in our long-term commitment to Chicago sports fans everywhere and is another new and compelling way for us to serve and connect with them.”
CHSN’s streaming service was developed by ViewLift, which also created direct-to-consumer offerings for Washington D.C.’s Momentual Sports Network and Altitude in Denver. Other clients include Tegna, the NHL, LIV Golf, and the Florida Panthers, which launched their DTC offerings through ViewLift.
The CHSN app is available on Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. It will soon be released on other platforms and is currently available in the iOS and Google Play stores and via any web browser. Viewers can also use their cable and DirecTV credentials to log in. Season ticket holders of all three teams can receive complimentary access to games, but only of that particular team.
The DTC app is for those who can’t receive CHSN from traditional means, including Comcast subscribers and those who can’t receive WJYS, which is airing the network on two of its digital sub-channels. But CHSN is asking Comcast subscribers to “double dip”, i.e. paying for cable TV and CHSN, at a time when most Chicago-area households are stretched for dollars and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (who is equally unpopular as Jerry Reinsdorf, Danny Wirtz, and anyone who is running the Bears) is looking to raise property taxes. Plus, the horrible performance of the three teams on the court, ice, and diamond respectively the last few years isn’t worth the cost – especially given you can watch the just-as-pathetic Bears for free anywhere.
The reaction to this pricing plan is overwhelmingly negative on social media as it’s just another misstep in a year of many from our sports teams and politicians in the Chicago area.