Full Breakdown
Limited Spring Training Coverage for Cubs and White Sox Fans
3/6/2026, 1:13:34 PM
Overview of the Spring Training Broadcast Landscape
The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox are facing significant limitations in their spring training broadcasts for the 2026 season. The Cubs’ Marquee Sports Network plans to air only 11 of their 32 scheduled games, while the White Sox’s Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) will broadcast 9 of 33 games. This combined total represents less than one-third of the teams' spring training games, leading to visible frustration among fans who express their discontent on social media and through direct communication.
Financial Pressures on Regional Sports Networks
The reduced broadcast schedule is attributed to the financial challenges facing regional sports networks (RSNs). The Cubs and White Sox established their networks to generate revenue from game broadcasts, but the industry has been adversely affected by cord-cutting and the rise of streaming services. For instance, Marquee Sports Network previously aired a higher number of games, with 28 of 34 in 2020 and 27 of 35 in 2024. However, recent cuts, including the elimination of the general manager position and layoffs of digital staff, reflect the network's struggle to maintain profitability. Industry insiders indicate that the costs associated with producing spring training games, where starters may not play significant innings, do not justify the limited advertising revenue.
Comparative Broadcast Strategies
In contrast to the Cubs and White Sox, other Major League Baseball teams are adopting different strategies to enhance fan engagement. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are set to broadcast 30 and 26 games, respectively, on their respective networks, SportsNet LA and YES Network. Notably, the San Diego Padres, now managed directly by MLB, will air a record 21 spring games for free, while the St. Louis Cardinals will stream 16 games, half of which will be available over the air. These approaches highlight a stark difference in how teams are responding to fan demand for spring training coverage.
Official Statements & Responses
While specific statements from the Cubs and White Sox regarding their broadcast strategies were not detailed in the sources, the overall sentiment from industry experts suggests that financial constraints are driving the decisions made by Marquee and CHSN. The networks' choices to limit coverage, although financially motivated, may carry reputational risks as fans compare their offerings to those of other teams.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans have voiced their dissatisfaction with the limited coverage, arguing that any live game is preferable to replays or alternative programming. The expectation for more extensive coverage from team-owned networks has not been met, leading to criticism of the financial decisions made by the Cubs and White Sox.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a notable discrepancy in the number of games broadcasted by different teams, with the Cubs and White Sox airing significantly fewer games compared to teams like the Dodgers and Yankees. Additionally, the reasons behind the financial struggles of RSNs are complex and multifaceted, with no single explanation provided in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
“Just point a couple of cameras at the field and put the game on the air, they say, arguing that anything live beats a supposed “Cubs Classic” or a replay of a Windy City Bulls game.” — Anonymous Fan
“Yes, times are tough for RSNs, and Marquee and CHSN have to make choices.” — Industry Insider
“There isn’t enough to be made, only to be spent.” — Industry Insider
“Marquee did that — once, in 2024, on Weigel Broadcasting’s The U (WCIU-Channel 26).” — Industry Insider
