If you’ve spent any time lately trying to find a Blackhawks or Bulls game on your TV in the Chicago area, you know the struggle. It felt like a hostage situation for a while. One day you’re watching games on NBC Sports Chicago like you have since 2004, and the next, the channel is literally a ghost town.
Basically, the era of "easy" local sports TV died in late 2024. When the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) launched to replace the old Comcast-owned RSN, it kicked off a massive game of chicken between the teams and the cable giant.
The Comcast and Chicago Sports Network Standoff Explained
Honestly, the whole mess started because the teams—the Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox—wanted more control. They teamed up with Standard Media to build their own house. But there was a massive problem: Comcast Xfinity is the king of Chicago cable.
For nearly eight months, if you had Xfinity, you were staring at a blank screen where the games used to be. It was brutal. Fans were calling 1-800-XFINITY, yelling on Reddit, and honestly, mostly just feeling forgotten.
What was the big fight about?
It comes down to two words: Tier placement.
Comcast didn't want to put CHSN on their basic "Popular" package. Why? Because they wanted to save money and they knew the regional sports network (RSN) model is crumbling. They insisted on sticking the network in the "Ultimate TV" tier.
CHSN, led by President Jason Coyle, fought back. They argued that Chicago fans shouldn't have to pay a premium just to see Bedard take a shot or Giddey run the point. But in the end, the big guy won.
Where the Deal Stands Today
As of June 2025, a deal finally happened. If you’re a Comcast customer, you can actually watch the games again, but there’s a catch.
You won't find it on your standard lineup. You have to be on the Ultimate TV package. For most people, that means an extra $20 a month on top of what they were already paying.
- Channel Number: You can find CHSN on Channel 200 (and 201 for CHSN+).
- The Price: If you’re on the "Popular" plan, you have to upgrade.
- The Fees: Don't forget that Regional Sports Network fee, which usually tacks on another $20-ish to the bill.
It's a bitter pill to swallow. Many fans feel like they're being double-dipped. You pay for the tier, then you pay the fee.
The Death of Free Over-the-Air (OTA)
This is the part that really gets people fired up. When CHSN launched, they promised a "widest possible audience." They were broadcasting for free on digital antennas (channel 62.2).
It was a revolution. No cable bill, just a piece of metal on your window.
But then the Comcast deal happened. Reports from insiders like Jeff Agrest at the Chicago Sun-Times suggested that Comcast made a demand: if we carry you, you have to kill the free signal in certain areas.
Sure enough, by mid-2025, the free OTA signal was pulled in Chicago, Rockford, and South Bend. If you want the games now, you're paying. Period.
Is the Streaming App a Better Deal?
If you've officially cut the cord with Comcast, CHSN does have a direct-to-consumer (DTC) app. It's actually a decent piece of tech.
The pricing is pretty straightforward:
- Single Team: $19.99 per month.
- Full Access (All 3 teams): $29.99 per month.
It sounds expensive, but if you're only paying for internet, it might actually be cheaper than the $200 Comcast "Triple Play" bundle. Plus, you get it on your phone, Roku, and Fire TV.
Why This Matters for the Future of Chicago Sports
The White Sox are rebuilding (again). The Blackhawks are waiting for the next generation to mature. The Bulls are... well, they're the Bulls.
But if fans can't see the games, the connection dies. This dispute with Comcast almost broke the bond with a whole generation of younger viewers who don't even know what a cable box looks like.
Danny Wirtz and the Blackhawks leadership have been vocal about "reaching the fans," but the reality of the business is that cable fees are still the biggest paycheck these teams get. They needed Comcast's money, even if it meant sticking the fans with a higher bill.
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How to Get the Games Now
If you’re sitting there wondering how to actually see the next game, here’s the reality of the landscape right now.
- Xfinity Users: Check your remote. If you don't see anything on Channel 200, you aren't on the Ultimate tier. You’ll need to call and upgrade, or do it through the Xfinity app.
- The Streaming Alternatives: Fubo and DIRECTV Stream both carry CHSN. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV do not. Don't switch to those thinking you'll get the games; you'll be disappointed.
- The Direct Route: Just download the CHSN app. It’s the cleanest way to watch if you don’t want to deal with cable contracts.
The era of cheap, easy sports is over. We’re in the era of the "Sports Tax." Whether you pay it to Comcast or through a standalone app, the price of being a fan just went up.
If you're still seeing that $8.85 credit on your Comcast bill from when NBC Sports Chicago shut down, watch out. That credit usually disappears once you upgrade to the package that actually includes the new network.
To get started, check your current Xfinity plan online to see if you're already paying for the Ultimate tier—many people are and don't even realize it. If not, compare the $20 upgrade cost against the $29.99 direct streaming app to see which fits your budget better.