All Cubs All the Time?

If you've ever wondered what Chicago-based Headlines writers/policy wonks dream about... yes, yes, its an all-Cubs cable channel. A new channel devoted to the Cubs is one of the enticing potential revenue-generating items that Tribune Co. is floating as part of its planned sale of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and its 25 percent stake in Comcast SportsNet. So far, the media company has provided few financial details about Comcast SportsNet in the confidential briefing books it provided to prospective buyers, making it difficult to calculate a price tag for the channel. But Tribune Co. also planted a seed of opportunity with prospective buyers. After Comcast SportsNet's rights to broadcast Cub games expires in 2019, a new owner could create a new sports network dedicated to the Cubs. The idea is a tempting prospect, considering the size of the Chicago media market, the popularity of the Cubs and the success of other regional sports networks in large markets. On Comcast SportsNet, the Cubs draw more viewers by a wide margin than the other three pro sports teams shown on the network. But future media opportunities for a new Cubs owner may have their limits. About 70 of the 162 Cubs games are also shown on Tribune Co.-owned WGN-Ch. 9. It's unclear whether Tribune Co., which also owns the Chicago Tribune, would obligate the new team owner to continue broadcasting games on the local station, which has a 60-year history with the Cubs. A Cubs-only cable channel also would lack the winter programming [are you kidding -- how about a reply of the glorious 1908 season?!] Team ownership of regional sports networks has increasingly become a new source of wealth for professional sports franchises. Teams like having control of their broadcasts, as well as the revenue streams from advertising and subscription fees charged to cable operators. The subscription fees have been rising steadily in recent years because the channels are must-haves for cable and satellite operators that don't want to upset rabid sports fans.