Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs has unveiled a revamped YouTube channel, offering a preview of content that will be available on its regional sports network, due to launch in 2020.
The new-look YouTube channel is envisaged to build interest in the Cub’s Marquee Sports Network, which will start next February, in partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group.
Content already available on the YouTube channel includes conversations with players, highlights from previous seasons, and catch-ups with former players, alongside content from the club’s old YouTube channel.
MSN will air the Cubs’ full regular-season schedule, alongside expanded pre-game and post-game coverage, and other, yet-to-be disclosed programming.
The Cubs’ local rights deals with NBC Sports Chicago, ABC-7 and WGN-9 are due to expire following the 2019 season.
The partnership with Sinclair means all the Cubs games and programming will be available in one place.
Other MLB franchises have launched their own services, including the LA Dodgers, but many fans in Southern California have had trouble watching the club’s games on its regional network SportsNet LA due to disputes over carriage fees.