Record #: R2017-214   
Type: Resolution Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 3/29/2017 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Finance
Final action:
Title: Call for owners and management of Chicago Cubs organization to reconsider interest in creating cable channel network
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2017-214.pdf
Related files: R2019-362
RESOLUTION



WHEREAS, the Chicago Cubs were established in 1876, eventually settling on the name "the Cubs" in 1903 and have been a longstanding tradition of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Cubs celebrated a World Series victory in 2016, breaking the 108 year old curse since the last Cubs World Series win in 1908; and
WHEREAS, the Cubs owners and management have mentioned they are looking into creating their own proprietary cable channel network starting in 2020 when their contract with Comcast SportsNet Chicago ends; and
WHEREAS, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have both created their own networks, only broadcasting games exclusively on their cable channels, that costs an additional $5 to $6 per month on their cable package, essentially cutting off access to fans; and
WHEREAS, historically Cubs games were broadcast across the nation on WGN-TV, introducing the Cubs to generations of fans throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, recently Lifestyle site FanSided released their inaugural list of the 250 fanbases that are the best and most passionate across sports, entertainment, tech and more, and Cubs fans are now ranked number one; and
WHEREAS, because the Cubs games are broadcast on WGN-TV, this has helped maintain and expand the Chicago diaspora fan base, allowing the games to be more accessible, making it easier for young fans to be part of the tradition; and
WHEREAS, in an era when fans are quick to ditch their team, Cubs fans stayed true to the team their parents and grandparents introduced them to, and no matter how dark it looked, they believed wholeheartedly in the trusty mantra, "There's always next year;" and
WHEREAS, in 2016 Cubs fans flocked to Grant Park and flooded the streets of Chicago for the team's World Series victory parade and rally, where a reported 5 million attended; and

WHEREAS, the cost of attending a Cubs game has increased over the years at a rate vastly disproportionate to the increase in the cost of living and while the quality of ...

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