CHSN's disastrous start is a blessing in disguise for the Bulls

When it was announced that NBC Sports Chicago would close and cease operations on September 30th, 2024, many were concerned about the television futures of not only the Chicago Bulls but their United Center co-inhabitants in the Chicago Blackhawks and Jerry Reinsdorf's other team in the Chicago, the White Sox. Reports would come out that the teams were in talks with Stadium to assume their regional media rights following the end of NBC Sports Chicago's contract.

In June, it would be announced that the three teams and Standard Media would come together to introduce Chicago Sports Network, with Standard Media serving as the distribution partner and Stadium serving as the home of the three teams.

With the network announcement coming only months before the 2024-25 NBA season, there was little information about where fans would be able to see the Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox. In September, it was announced that CHSN would be on DirecTV, Fubo TV, and Astound RCN.

CHSN would fail to come to a contract agreement with Comcast, who previously aired NBC Sports Chicago, missing out on Chicago's primary cable TV provider. CHSN would also miss out on both Dish Network and YouTube TV. It would also be announced that CHSN would offer over-the-air coverage for the Chicago market and surrounding areas, allowing limited access to CHSN.

On November 14th, CHSN would put out a press release announcing the launch of their direct-to-consumer streaming service on November 15th. The streaming service would offer the ability to watch one team's games for $19.99 a month or all three teams for $29.99 a month. CHSN received ample criticism for the price of its streaming service.

While CHSN's disastrous start has been a negative for a young Blackhawks team looking to become relevant, that same start has been a blessing in disguise for a Bulls team in a strange place. Currently sitting at 5-8, the Bulls have had a solid season given their goals of keeping their 2025 first-round draft pick.

With fewer eyes on the Bulls, the pressure has dropped, while overall team coverage has also fallen. First and foremost, Zach Lavine has thrived with fewer eyes on him. Averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, Lavine has looked like the All-Star he was just a few seasons ago. With the Bulls looking to move on from LaVine, his trade value has only begun to increase with his play this season.

The same could be said for big man Nikola Vucevic. Taking much of the blame last season for the Bulls' play, Vooch has been the biggest surprise for Chicago this season. Averaging 21.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, Vooch has had a bounce-back season, allowing him to boost his own trade value as the Bulls could move on from him as well.

While the Bulls have not gotten the viewership they have gotten in recent seasons, the lack of viewership due to CHSN has allowed the team to focus on their goal of highlighting their star veterans in hopes of trading them, focusing on their youth, and keeping their top-10 protected first round pick in the 2025 draft.