Chicago Cubs, WBBM 780 AM announce new radio partnership

It’s official.

The Chicago Cubs and WGN Radio 720 AM will see their relationship draw to a close after 90 years together at the conclusion of the 2014 season, as the organization officially announced a long-term deal with WBBM 780 AM Thursday at a press conference at Wrigley Field.

"“We’ve had a great relationship with WGN,” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts told reporters, including MLB.com Cubs beat writer Carrie Muskat. “We like all the people there. Things change, and it was just time for a new partner.”"

The broadcast rights are included as a comprehensive deal that includes not only Chicago Cubs baseball, but also entertainment events, as well, including promotional work on seven CBS Radio Chicagoland stations, as well as the company’s digital outlets. The Cubs and CBS Radio will work together to bring live music events to the Friendly Confines, as part of the deal.

The voice of the Cubs, Pat Hughes, and his color commentary partner, Ron Coomer, will move over to 780 AM as part of the deal.

Robert Channick of the Chicago Tribune offered some of the finer details of the deal, which is seven years long.

"The new radio deal’s term is seven years, according to sources. The cash portion of the deal is actually lower than what WGN is paying, sources added, because of added promotional support and revenue opportunities through concert and event co-promotion."

The Cubs declined comment regarding their television deal with WGN-TV, which has carried the team’s games since 1948. WGN Radio had been carrying Cubs games over the airwaves since October 1924.