Marquee Sports Network announces partnership with Chicago Bears
Marquee Sports Network and the Chicago Bears today announced a partnership that will bring a weekly Chicago Bears show, followed by the exclusive re-airing of Bears regular season games to the cable network.
The weekly show, “Bear Essentials”, will typically air Tuesday evenings and will be hosted by Marquee Sports Network host Cole Wright. Wright, who came to Marquee from the NFL Network, will be joined by Chicago Bears personnel and analysts as they break down the week in Chicago Bears action and look ahead to the following Bears matchup. Immediately following the show, Marquee Sports Network will air a two-hour directors cut of the Chicago Bears most recent regular season game.
“The opportunity to build on our Chicago Cubs foundation with the addition of unique Bears content and weekly game carriage is tremendous,” said Mike McCarthy, General Manager of Marquee Sports Network. “We’re thrilled to partner with the iconic Chicago Bears organization and serve Chicago sports fans more original content.”
“Given our long and storied history together and the special relationship between the McCaskey and Ricketts families, a reunion of Cubs and Bears programming on Marquee feels incredibly natural,” added Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney.
“We’re excited to bring Bears fans more access to the news and information they crave with additional Bears coverage and analysis on Marquee Sports Network,” said Scott Hagel, Chicago Bears Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications.
Beginning this Wednesday, October 14, Bear Essentials will air at 7p.m.* immediately following The Stadium. The Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup, which had a fantastic finish, will re-air immediately following Bear Essentials at 7:30pm*.
“Wrigley Field was home to the Chicago Bears from 1921 to 1970, and it will be spectacular to have Bears coverage back in Wrigleyville on Marquee Sports Network,” McCarthy added.
Marquee Sports Network is jointly owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and the Chicago Cubs. For more information, visit www.marqueesportsnetwork.com and follow the network on social media at @WatchMarquee.
One of the founding franchises of the National Football League, the Chicago Bears were established in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys by legendary player, coach and owner, George S. Halas. The team moved to Chicago in 1921 and has gone on to win the most games in league history along with nine championships. The Bears 28 Hall of Famers is the most of any team in the NFL. In the community, the Bears strive to be leaders throughout Chicago and its suburbs by supporting initiatives focused on social justice, youth football, health and fitness, volunteerism and civic involvement, and education.
* Available in select markets