The Cubs generate revenue at a level most MLB teams can only dream of, but it’s based more on legacy and a semblance of plausible competitiveness that keeps lifelong fans and baseball tourists invested. The longer their mediocrity on the field persists, the harder it will be to maintain that base, let alone grow it. Marquee Sports Network is having a hard time with carriage deals and season ticket sales are so stagnant they’re forced to market to people who aren’t on the waiting list.
I just canceled my Marquee subscription for the offseason because, with all due respect to friends who work there, it’s now worth $20/month if the Cubs aren’t playing games.