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Chicago Cubs: Why this was the worst offseason of all-time

By Jason Parini

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 7: Workmen from the Wrigley Field grounds crew shovel snow from the infield of the park in Chicago, Illinois April 7, 2003. The Chicago Cubs were to play their home opener against the Montreal Expos today but the game was cancelled due to the snow. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 7: Workmen from the Wrigley Field grounds crew shovel snow from the infield of the park in Chicago, Illinois April 7, 2003. The Chicago Cubs were to play their home opener against the Montreal Expos today but the game was cancelled due to the snow. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Cubs, Tom Ricketts
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images /

TV deal controversy

Although television deals are one of the most lucrative endeavors for teams and leagues, they’re also one of the most controversial.

Despite the controversy, the Chicago Cubs opted to create their own television network starting in 2020. Many fans were upset at the decision for a number of reasons.

Though not all details of the network have been ironed out (at least publicly), the team announced that the rights had been given to Sinclair Broadcast Group, a controversial media giant that’s been described as “Orwellian” for the right-wing propaganda.

Many fans were also upset that the games and Cubs programming may not be available to them or would come at a cost, especially those outside of Chicago.

Related Story. Cubs network projected to make $50 million annually. light

For example, for those fans watching on cable or satellite, their provider has to pickup the Marquee Network in order for them to be able to watch it. There’s certainly the risk that that won’t happen, as seen in the Los Angeles market by the Dodgers only being available on Charter Spectrum because of high carrying costs.

Fans also won’t be able to stream the new service online if they’re not in the Chicagoland and Tri-State region, which upset loyal fans around the nation who won’t be able to watch the network.

All of those issues have culminated into turning this into the worst offseason in Cubs history for fans. Fortunately, there’s just over a week until Cubs baseball is back on the air.

It could not have come soon enough.

And on that note, it’s time for an Old Style.

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