Reports: CHSN Finally Reaches Deal with Xfinity

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Tony Marchese | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 3:59 AM ET

Finally, the wait is over for Chicago sports fans. After a long and drawn-out stretch of negotiations, anticipation, and frustration, Comcast and the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) have reportedly inked a deal that brings major relief to fans across the Windy City. Now, subscribers to Xfinity's "ultimate tier" will once again have front-row access to their favorite teams, including the Chicago White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks.

The backstory here matters. CHSN launched in October 2024 as the new home for these three teams, following the closure of NBC Sports Chicago. The transition wasn't smooth, marred by a lack of a carriage deal with Comcast, a major distributor in the Chicagoland area. This limited access led to significant viewer frustration and, by extension, poor ratings for the network.

Laurence Holmes of 670 The Score was the first to break the news on Wednesday night. "Good news #WhiteSox fans who are Comcast customers," Holmes announced, shedding light on a pivotal moment for Chicago sports broadcasting. This move couldn't come at a better time, considering the burgeoning frustration within the Chicago sports community.

Good news #WhiteSox fans who are Comcast customers.

Sources had indicated things could move soon because of the new NBC/Peacock deal with the NBA.

Looks like they were right. You’re gonna get CHSN on the “ultimate tier.” pic.twitter.com/MkvK9ZZ6Fx
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) June 5, 2025

Notably, Bulls President Michael Reinsdorf and Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz have both voiced their dissatisfaction earlier this year, highlighting Comcast's reluctance as a barrier to fan enjoyment and engagement. The new deal, spurred by an impending NBC/Peacock agreement with the NBA, seems to have turned the tide. Holmes suggests, "Sources had indicated things could move soon because of the new NBC/Peacock deal with the NBA. Looks like they were right."

The implications of this agreement are vast. Foremost, it ends a period of uncertainty and inconvenience for fans, who've had their loyalty tested in an era where easy access to sports content is expected. However, the push to the more expensive "ultimate tier" may leave some fans still displeased, given the fact that NBC Sports Chicago was previously available at a lower package.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Jeff Agrest, the channel is expected to launch on Xfinity's "ultimate tier" this Friday.