After his annual meeting with the team prior to the first full squad workout, Tom Ricketts met with the media for his Spring State of the Cubs Address. The Cubs’ Chairman talked about the upcoming season, the team on the field and the minor league system. Tom Ricketts also discussed the team’s television and radio contracts as well as the team’s payroll. Tom Ricketts talked about the negotiations with the Rooftop Club Owners and said the team plans on having the Budweiser sign in right … [Read more...]
Day Two of the 2014 Cubs Convention: Cubs Business Operations Update
Crane Kenney and his business operations department was the first session of the afternoon. The Cubs President of Business Operations provided updates on the team’s finances, the TV and radio contracts and the Wrigley Field Restoration project. The Cubs’ contracts with WGN TV and Radio expire after the 2014 season. Crane Kenney is expecting to make an announcement by Opening Day about their radio partnership. Even though Pat Hughes is an employee of WGN, the Cubs have made it clear that if … [Read more...]
Report: Cubs Talking to Fox about TV Rights
According to a report from Patrick Mooney, the Cubs "are in talks with Fox about their broadcasting future" as the team looks to maximize their television revenue. A deal with Fox would end the Cubs relationship with WGN "and potentially lay the groundwork for a second regional sports network in Chicago." The Cubs exercised an option in their contract with WGN TV on Nov. 6 that gave their longtime partner 30 days to negotiate a new deal or the Cubs could shop their broadcast rights to other … [Read more...]
Cubs Future on 720 WGN Remains in Question
WGN-AM 720 exercised an option with the Cubs on Oct. 17 to re-open their contract with the team due to "sharply declining ratings because of the Cubs struggles on the field." The uncertainty of the future of the long-time partnership between WGN and the Cubs impacted the search for Pat Hughes’ partner after Keith Moreland decided to move on. WGN has been broadcasting Cubs games since 1925 and would like to continue carrying the games. The contract between the team and WGN expires at the end … [Read more...]
Cubs Exploring Options for Radio and TV Broadcasts, Still Searching for Radio Analyst
While the Cubs continue working on details to restore Wrigley Field with the city, neighborhood and the rooftop club owners, the team is also dealing with media rights between 720 WGN and WGN TV. WGN Radio exercised an option in their contract with the Cubs last month to re-negotiate the deal with the team due to "sharply declining ratings because of the Cubs’ struggles on the field." Under the current contract, WGN is paying as much as $10 million per season, and possibly more, to broadcast … [Read more...]