Marquee Sports Network Names Former MSG Network President Michael McCarthy As Its First General Manager

The Chicago Cubs-focused regional sports network is scheduled to launch in 2020

Marquee Sports Network – the Chicago Cubs-owned regional sports network founded in partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group – announced Michael McCarthy as its first General Manager on Wednesday. McCarthy was previously the president of MSG Network in New York City and will help lead Marquee Sports Network towards its scheduled launch in February of 2020.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the launch of the first independent regional sports network for the Chicago Cubs,” said McCarthy. “The recent transformation of this iconic brand is incredibly impressive and the next big effort to better serve Cubs fans is the launch of Marquee. For years, I watched the Cubs become a nationally recognized brand. For that reason, I’m honored and intensely motivated by the confidence the Ricketts family, Sinclair and the Cubs have placed in me to add to the incredible broadcasting experience enjoyed by fans for the past 70 years.”

While at MSG Network, McCarthy oversaw revenue and content across all platforms. While there, the network won more than 75 regional Emmy Awards and launched the careers of numerous nationally known broadcasters, including Mike Breen, Gus Johnson, and Doris Burke.

“We’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Mike and his proven ability to drive results over the past several months at Marquee,” said Crane Kenney, president of business operations for the Chicago Cubs. “With his combined sports and media background, Mike is the right person to bring our network online and deliver unprecedented Cubs coverage for our fans.”

Previously, McCarthy also served as vice chairman and CEO of the St. Louis Blues and was the COO of the Milwaukee Bucks.