Marquee Sports Net Gets WOW Broadband Carriage

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Marquee Sports Network, the new regional sports network owned by the Chicago Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group, reached a carriage agreement with WOW!

Related: Marquee Sports Network Steps Up to the Plate

WOW is a top broadband provider in the Chicago area. It also offers cable and phone services. In-market customers will be able to view Marquee’s live Cubs broadcasts starting March 13.

The network, which launched Saturday, does not have a carriage agreement with Comcast, the area's largest operator with about 1.5 million customers. But Sinclair, which has been handling Marquee’s carriage negotiations, has reached deals with about 40 carriers, including DirecTV, Charter and Hulu Plus Live TV.

“WOW! is the fourth largest provider in Chicago and an important part of our distribution landscape, and we are pleased to have them join the more than 40 carriage partners who have already signed on with Marquee Sports Network,” said Marquee Sports Network GM Mike McCarthy.

Financial terms were not disclosed. Analysts estimate that Sinclair is asking $6-$7 per sub per month for the channel.

Jon Lafayette
Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.