This development marks a significant return to Hulu + Live TV for Marquee, which originally carried the network briefly during its launch year in 2020 before dropping it later that fall. The short-lived initial deal ended amid broader carriage disputes involving Sinclair’s regional sports networks (RSNs), but the new arrangement reflects evolving dynamics in the streaming landscape and a push to combat cord-cutting trends. Hulu + Live TV, now bolstered by its merger with Fubo (creating one of the largest virtual pay-TV providers with over 6.2 million subscribers), includes Marquee without additional fees for viewers in the Cubs’ designated broadcast territory. This positions it as a convenient option for fans who prefer bundled streaming services over traditional cable.
This development marks a significant return to Hulu + Live TV for Marquee, which originally carried the network briefly during its launch year in 2020 before dropping it later that fall. The short-lived initial deal ended amid broader carriage disputes involving Sinclair’s regional sports networks (RSNs), but the new arrangement reflects evolving dynamics in the streaming landscape and a push to combat cord-cutting trends. Hulu + Live TV, now bolstered by its merger with Fubo (creating one of the largest virtual pay-TV providers with over 6.2 million subscribers), includes Marquee without additional fees for viewers in the Cubs’ designated broadcast territory. This positions it as a convenient option for fans who prefer bundled streaming services over traditional cable.
Complementing the Hulu integration, Marquee’s DTC offering is now purchasable directly through Prime Video. Fans can subscribe for $19.99 per month, gaining access to live Cubs games, pregame and postgame shows, analysis, and other exclusive content—mirroring what’s available on the network’s own app and website. The DTC service is also supported on devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung smart TVs, providing flexibility for those without a traditional provider or who want standalone access.
The timing couldn’t be better for Cubs supporters. The team is set to open the 2026 season on March 26 at historic Wrigley Field against the Washington Nationals, following a spring training period that has featured strong performances from key players like Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Shota Imanaga. With most regular-season games airing exclusively on Marquee (aside from select national broadcasts on networks like ESPN, FOX, or MLB Network), these new streaming options address long-standing frustrations over limited availability. In-market fans previously relied on providers like Comcast Xfinity, Astound, DirecTV, or Fubo, but the Hulu and Prime integrations open the door to millions more potential viewers who have shifted away from cable.
This expansion comes amid broader challenges for RSNs nationwide. Many networks have struggled with declining subscriber numbers due to cord-cutting, leading to blackouts, layoffs, and even bankruptcies in some cases. Marquee’s approach—combining bundled access with affordable DTC options—stands out as a proactive response. Unlike Hulu’s selective carriage of other RSNs (it includes only a handful, such as NBC affiliates in Boston, the Bay Area, and Philadelphia, while excluding big names like the Yankees’ YES Network or the Red Sox’ NESN), Marquee’s inclusion signals growing confidence in targeted streaming deals for local sports content.
For Cubs fans, the changes mean fewer barriers to watching their team chase another World Series run. Whether tuning in via Hulu for seamless integration with other channels or opting for Prime Video’s straightforward subscription, the focus remains on delivering every pitch, home run, and dramatic moment from Wrigley. As the season approaches, these partnerships not only enhance accessibility but also underscore the Cubs’ commitment to meeting fans where they are—on the platforms they already use every day.
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