June 15, 200620 yr Article from the New York Times The Tribune Company owns the Chicago Cubs, The Chicago Tribune, WGN in Chicago, The Newsday, WPIX in New York, KTLA in Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Times, and WBZL in Miami amongst many other properties. This could very well damage the Cubs'standing as a superstation team as WGN may lose the rights to air Cubs games on Superstation WGN as MLB may not be willing to allow a new contract. MLB has already limited the Braves to 45 games on TBS expecting them to be sold by Time Warner as Turner South already has been sold. Looks like the days of teams having their own superstations with games on nationwide are quickly coming to a close. Minor superstation packages exist and will continue to exist, but with regional sports networks making more money and reaching more people through MLB.tv and MLB Extra Innings....MLB is putting it to an end. Current Superstation Teams WPIX - Mets (2006-2008: 25 games) WWOR - Yankees (2006-2007: 20 games) WGN - Cubs & White Sox (2006: 72 Cubs & 29 White Sox) WTBS - Braves (2006-2007: 70 games, 2008-2012: 45 games)
June 17, 200620 yr Losing WGN will hurt the Cub's fanbase. Part of the reason that the nation is so enamored with the Northsiders is that the aura of Wrigley Field has always been broadcasted nationwide. Unfortunately, the quality of paly and management in the organization is probably much more damaging, as I think the traditional fanbase is not going to be satisfied with mediocrity anymore. I'm sure if they make a playoff run the fans will come back, but even that feat seems to elude the Cubs.
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