Blackhawks owner Danny Wirtz has massive new streaming plan for fans
Photo credit: Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
Blackhawks owner Danny Wirtz understands that fans are not happy that many games are blacked out, and has expressed his plan to bring easier streaming services.
The establishment of the new sports network should have been a smooth transformation for Chicago sports fans as their three teams, the Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox, partnered together to create their channel after NBC decided to stop regionals. This was supposed to make things easy for the fans who want to watch their favorite teams in the Chicago area.
It has, however, been quite rocky since going on air on the 1st of October because of the series of technical issues it has continued to face. Poor streaming, blackouts, and general poor access have hampered the network, which has discouraged lots of fans. This is because of some missing pieces that include major carrier agreements with Comcast, Hulu, Fubo, and YouTube that would quadruple exposure for the network.
However, the ownership of the Blackhawks and a key stakeholder in the network, Wirtz Corporation, has been very active in trying to work out some of these issues. The company's hopeful negotiations with the streamers to establish carriage deals are bearing fruit sooner rather than later.
But as this fight wears on, the financial toll is starting to show. Without greater distribution, the Blackhawks have become all but invisible to many of their own fans, which at some point will start to hit ticket sales and merchandise revenue. The resolution of this issue of distribution is important for the long-term success of the network and the teams involved.
On the bright side, however, the Blackhawks return to the United Center on October 17th for their home opener. It is also the 30th-anniversary celebration of the arena as they take on the San Jose Sharks. Fans will hope for easier entrance times as the puck drops at 8:30 PM Eastern.
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