Tue Sep 17 05:26:28 UTC 2024: ## Chicago Teams and Seattle Kraken Launch Over-the-Air Broadcast Networks, While Lawmakers Push for Federal Sports Betting Regulations

**Chicago, Seattle, Washington D.C. (September 17, 2024) –** The sports broadcasting landscape is shifting, with new over-the-air networks being launched and federal regulations being proposed for the sports betting industry.

**Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)**, a joint venture between the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox, will begin broadcasting games over-the-air starting in October. The network will utilize Millennial Telecommunications’ WJYS digital broadcast channels. This comes after the three teams decided not to renew their media rights agreements with NBC Sports Chicago. CHSN will become the primary broadcast home for all three teams, with the White Sox transitioning to the new network in 2025.

The **Seattle Kraken** are also expanding their reach with the launch of **Kraken Hockey Network (KHN)**. The team-specific network will broadcast games across local television affiliates in the Pacific Northwest, including Seattle, Spokane, Portland, Eugene, Juneau, and Anchorage. KHN will also be available on Amazon Prime Video, giving fans a wider range of viewing options. The Kraken previously aired on Root Sports but have moved to Tegna’s KONG NBC affiliate.

Meanwhile, **federal sports betting regulations** are also being considered. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the **SAFE Bet Act**, which aims to regulate sportsbook advertising, affordability, and the use of artificial intelligence. The act seeks to limit “no sweat” and bonus bets during live sporting events, restrict users to five deposits within a 24-hour period, and ban the use of AI to track user gambling habits. However, the bill has already faced opposition from within the Democratic party, with Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) calling it “outdated.”

These developments highlight the changing landscape of sports broadcasting and the growing importance of both over-the-air networks and regulations for the sports betting industry.

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