Chicago Sports Network announced Thursday it will launch its direct-to-consumer service Friday, offering fans the chance to stream Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox games via its app or any web browser.
Fans can purchase a package for one team for $19.99 per month or full access for $29.99 per month. CHSN also is offering a free seven-day trial of either package. Streams can be cast from the app or website to larger screens.
The launch comes while CHSN and Comcast, the area’s largest cable provider, remain in a standoff for carriage. The network is available on U-Verse and Astound/RCN cable, DirecTV satellite and DirecTV Stream and Fubo streaming services, as well as over the air on WJYS subchannels 62.2 and 62.3.
“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 in the release. “Today’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 partnered with ViewLift, which has developed streaming platforms for regional streaming services including Altitude in Denver and Monumental Sports & Entertainment in Washington. It also has worked with the NHL, NBA, NBCUniversal, TEGNA and other entites.
The network said authentication through pay-TV providers will
be available in weeks, as well as access via connected TV apps such as Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV.