Chicago sports teams cut ties with NBC sports and here's what it means

Instead, they're charting a new course by teaming up with Standard Media Group to unveil a fresh network, as first reported by The Athletic.

Initial speculations hinted at a collaboration with Stadium, under the ownership of White Sox and Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. However, plans appear to have taken a different turn, with the trio of teams opting for a partnership with Standard Media Group instead.

The finer details of this arrangement are still shrouded in mystery, particularly regarding the network's accessibility via airwaves, cable, and streaming platforms.

While Stadium boasts a robust online presence, there's speculation that it might venture into the realm of direct-to-consumer service through its dedicated app.

Reinsdorf's increased control over Stadium since Sinclair Broadcast Group's exit last year underscores his commitment to repurposing the platform to suit the evolving needs of sports broadcasting.

The primary challenge confronting the nascent network lies in securing distribution deals with major providers such as Comcast and DirecTV, akin to the recent arrangement Comcast struck with MASN.

A potential solution could involve forging ties with an over-the-air broadcaster, a strategy that has proven effective in circumventing distribution hurdles.

In this vein, Wiegel Broadcasting emerges as a potential ally in the Chicago market, given its expanding footprint in sports coverage.

As the landscape of sports television undergoes a seismic shift, characterized by a resurgence of over-the-air channels, this move signifies a return to the broadcasting roots that once defined the industry.