Marquee Announces DTC Streamer for $20 Per Month
We’ve covered this topic pretty exhaustively in the past, with the most recent piece coming exactly one month ago. I had guessed at the time that the Marquee’s direct-to-consumer streaming service would cost more than the $19.99 the Padres are charging, but turns out it’ll be exactly the same. This offering should get the Cubs to more cord-cutting households and might get others to drop their current cable providers, assuming some folks have the subscription they do just to make sure they have their team.
As a reminder, this service is only available to fans who reside within the Cubs’ MLB-mandated local viewing territory and those who know how to mask their IP. Either way, it might be in the club’s best interest to buy at the deadline and give people a reason to spend even more money on subscription viewing services.
For more specifics, check out the press release:
Marquee Sports Network today announced the introduction of a direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscription offering, providing in-market Cubs fans a new option to stream live Cubs games and original Marquee Sports Network programming. The direct-to-consumer subscription offering coincides with the launch of a new App, available to Cubs fans via web browser, mobile/tablet devices and connected TV platforms.
Marquee Sports Network will offer its direct-to-consumer product exclusively on a monthly subscription basis, priced at $19.99 per month. The subscription can be purchased at WatchMarquee.com, as well as through the new Marquee Sports Network App.
Streaming through the new Marquee Sports Network App will continue to be available at no extra cost to fans who receive Marquee Sports Network through a traditional cable or streaming provider.
The new Marquee Sports Network App will feature an improved user experience, including 1080p resolution video, and video on-demand content, including game highlights, interviews, documentaries, original programming and more. The App will also support screencasting from a smartphone, tablet or web browser to most smart TVs and connected TV devices. For more on screencasting, click here.
“We’re thrilled to launch our new direct-to-consumer subscription option, providing all in-market Cubs fans with access to Marquee Sports Network, including live Cubs games,” said Marquee Sports Network General Manager, Mike McCarthy. “The new Marquee Sports Network App will also provide an improved 1080p streaming experience for all Marquee Sports Network subscribers. We look forward to continuing to bring Cubs baseball to the passionate Cubs fans across the region.”
Marquee Sports Network was named the RSN of the Year by Cynopsis Media in 2022-23, recognizing the network’s live Cubs broadcasts, innovative minor league coverage, live local sports content and original programming. The network has earned 24 Chicago/Midwest Emmy nominations and six awards since 2021.
Access to the Marquee Sports Network App will feature the ability to stream Marquee Sports Network programming, including:
- More than 200 live Cubs-affiliated games each year, including regular season games (excluding nationally televised broadcasts), spring training matchups and minor league contests
- Offseason Cubs coverage, including Cubs 360 studio shows, press conferences with new Cubs signees and breaking news coverage, plus coverage of MLB’s Winter Meetings and the annual Cubs Convention
- In-season Cubs specials, including expanded Opening Day coverage, MLB Draft coverage and more
- Cubs-related historical programming, including classic games, documentaries, magazine specials and more
- Original programming, including The Reporters, Class is in Session with Doug Glanville and much more