PHILADELPHIA & HUNT VALLEY, Md.—Comcast and Sinclair Broadcast Group have announced a multi-year renewal on their content carriage agreement, which is highlighted by Marquee Sports Network becoming available for Xfinity TV customers in Chicago in time for the Chicago Cubs’ first game of the MLB season.

Marquee Sports Network is a regional sports network jointly owned by Sinclair and the Chicago Cubs. As part of the renewal deal, Chicago Xfinity customers will have Marquee programming integrated via the Xfinity Voice Remote and within Sports Zone for access to game previews, live scores, in-game stats and more.

In addition to Marquee joining the Comcast lineup of available stations, the renewal allows for the continued transmission of 78 Sinclair TV stations in 51 markets. It also continues distribution of the Tennis Channel, 18 Fox-branded regional sports networks and the YES Network for Xfinity customers.

“We are pleased to continue to expand our partnership with Comcast under which we provide a broad array of valuable programming, including our award-winning local news and sports programming,” said Barry Faber, Sinclair’s president of distribution & network relations. “Sports are an important part of Sinclair and we are pleased that Comcast’s greater Chicago customers can join the list of passionate fans that enjoy Sinclair’s local sports programming.”

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

CHICAGO—Michael McCarthy is taking on a leadership role for the new Marquee Sports Network, which, in partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group, will be the exclusive television home for the Chicago Cubs when it launches in February 2020.

McCarthy has been working with the Cubs since August 2018 as a consultant on the evaluation and formation of Marquee Sports Network’s launch strategy. He has previous experience with sports networks, serving as the president of MSG Network, handling revenue and content across all platforms. He has also previously been the CEO and vice chairman of the St. Louis Blues and COO of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Marquee Sports Network will feature live game broadcasts from Chicago Cubs broadcasters, Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies. The network will also provide pre- and post-game coverage, unique Cubs content and other local sports programming.

BALTIMORE & CHICAGO—Sinclair Broadcast Group and the Chicago Cubs today announced they have formed Marquee Sports Network, a joint venture that owns and operates the regional sports network.

Based in Chicago, Marquee Sports Network will be the exclusive network for fans to watch live Chicago Cubs games beginning with the 2020 Major League Baseball season.

Exclusive Cubs content and other local sports programming will also be available from the regional sports network. The Cubs simultaneously entered into a long- term rights agreement with Marquee.

“It is hard to imagine any content that is more unique and valuable than the live sports entertainment the Cubs have been delivering to their fans for more than a century,” said Chris Ripley, Sinclair president and CEO. “Sinclair’s strength in production, distribution and local sales will support bringing more content to more viewers, all while leveraging the latest technology.”

The new agreement will allow the Cubs to give fans an enhanced experience, said Crane Kenney, president of business operations for the Cubs.

“Our dedicated ‘Cubs-centric’ network will carry all available Cubs games and feature uncompromising, in-depth and behind-the-scenes coverage,” he said.