Burke warns against price of Cubs-owned TV network

A die-hard Sox fan who is also the Chicago City Council's most powerful alderman is urging the world champion Cubs not to create their own regional sports network with fees so high they would "leave fans behind."

Alderman Edward Burke, chairman of the council's finance committee, introduced a resolution aimed at pressuring the Cubs to ignore the lead of the Dodgers and Yankees who created their own regional sports networks. The Cubs could do so after the 2019 season, when agreements for local television rights are due to expire.

The resolution notes that, if the Cubs have a "similar experience to what happened" to the Dodgers, "half of all Cubs fans would be unable to watch any games" because of the "costly premium package" that approached $6 a month in New York and Los Angeles.

Burke acknowledged the council has no legal authority to compel the Cubs to renew their contract with Comcast SportsNet.

But by publicly championing the issue, he said hopes to pressure the Cubs to proceed with caution and in the best interests of fans.

For more, check chicago.suntimes.com.