In October of 2024, many Bulls, White Sox, and Blackhawks fans worried about the looming network change for the primary provider of professional sports in Chicago. The inception of the Chicago Sports Network, replacing NBC Chicago, proved their worries valid. Not only did the new network fail to find common ground with the most popular cable provider in Illinois, but they also were unable to reach an agreement with several mainstream cable and livestream services. There were fewer outlets to watch Chicago sports at a much more expensive rate. In the meantime, the CHSN has inked deals with several cable providers and live stream services, but the damage has already been done. The latest report by the Sports Business Journal proved that in dramatic fashion.
Worst Year-Over-Year Viewership In The NBA
A few weeks ago, documents emerged showing the Chicago Bulls franchise to be one of the most lucrative NBA organizations, with top-five attendance and revenue last season. Growing concerns with Arturas Karnisovas, Billy Donovan, and Zach LaVine have gradually shown Bulls fans the door, and the cable provider switch put the nail in the coffin. Chicago natives found it nearly impossible to watch the games, minimal nationwide providers carried the new CHSN, and fans have officially given up after their sixth losing season in the last seven.
According to Sports Business Journal, the Blazers’ local viewership is up 68% from last season, the biggest year-over-year jump of any team in the NBA. Almost certainly a byproduct of ditching ROOT for over-the-air. pic.twitter.com/eQtIbJwFlG
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) February 12, 2025
The franchise did more than enough to drive away fans with lackluster performances, an unknown future direction, repeated questionable front-office decisions, and a lack of overall success. NBC Chicago’s departure required much of the fanbase to pay extra to watch the disastrous organization, a price they’re unwilling to pay until change occurs.
Viewership Drop Will Not Enduce Change
Unfortunately for Bulls fans, the harsh truth is that these reports don’t correlate to the urgency for change. Jerry Reinsdorf has proven to care about the bottom dollar solely, and with Chicago still in the top portion of revenue ranks despite the lack of viewership or success, he remains content. The White Sox’s historically embarrassing campaign last summer should clearly show that the Bulls are similarly managed at the top level. Does this year’s playoff absence and missing the NBA Play-In Tournament nudge the franchise to move in a new direction?
Gave this stat out today regarding the last decade under Jerry Reinsdorf:
Since end of the 2014-15 season…
Bulls have 330-428 record (.435)
25th in NBA.Sox 666-851 record (.439).
2nd worst in MLB ahead of only the Marlins at .435.Jerry’s teams are a combined 996-1279
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) January 30, 2025
What will it take to turn the tides of two of the most pathetic organizations in professional sports, and will these alarming numbers create change in Chicago?
