Owner of the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bulls Jerry Reinsdorf now has majority control of the Stadium Network. Sinclair Broadcast Group is selling the majority of its stake in the network to Silver Chalice sports media, although specific details of the deal have not yet been disclosed.
Jerry Reinsdorf is one of the founders of the multiplatform sports-centric Stadium Network, which launched in 2017 during an asset merger from 120 Sports, Silver Chalice’s Campus Insiders, and Sinclair’s American Sports Network. Silver Chalice has been a stakeholder since and now has a controlling share.
Sources state “Sinclair’s own corporate issues” were behind this decision. Sinclair Broadcast Group’s Diamond Sports Group division is undergoing reorganization efforts since filing for bankruptcy this past March.
As Jerry Reinsdorf takes over Stadium Network, more changes are likely in the sports group’s future. What those will be are entirely up to the leadership of Jerry Reinsdorf. He has made it known previously he was interested in possibly starting his own network. With this new deal, he can put those backburner ideas to the forefront and make use of Stadium Network’s teams and audiences to try them out, hopefully with great success.
As reported by Front Office Sports:
“The Chicago-based Stadium – which operates out of the Bulls’ home arena the United Center – currently offers a series of live games, particularly within college sports, as well as highlights and studio programming. Key on-air personalities include basketball insiders Shams Charania and Jeff Goodman. It is available through a series of digital, cable, and over-the-air platforms.”
What will Jerry Reinsdorf bring to the table now that he has the controlling share of Sports Network? No word yet on any specific plans he has in store for viewers. Check back with Cord Cutters News as more information is revealed.
What do you think about this deal? Could it be what Stadium Network needs to compete with rival networks as more leagues begin negotiations on contract renewals as some start eyeing exclusive streaming service deals?