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So how can I watch Chicago Bulls preseason games?

So how can I watch Chicago Bulls preseason games?

The Chicago Bulls have two of their five preseason games behind them and tonight they continue with a trip to Milwaukee. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can watch this Bulls preseason game, although options remain limited.

How to watch the Chicago Bulls preseason

As many of you already know, the Chicago Bulls have left NBC Sports Chicago. The franchise has joined both the White Sox and Blackhawks on the brand new Chicago Sports Network, which operates from a studio at the United Center. The broadcast of each game should look pretty familiar to Stacey King and Adam Amin when they call, but figuring out where to watch that broadcast is proving difficult.

First things first: the advantage of the new network is that it is technically completely free to watch. CHSN is streamed over-the-air on channels throughout the Midwest, meaning it can be accessed through a digital antenna on your television. The channel number for Chicago is 62.2 or 62.3. CHSN has a section on its website listing the cities that can access the network. However, the wireless channel numbers for most of the cities listed have yet to be updated.

The main problem is that not every TV has an antenna for wireless transmission. This means that viewers would have to purchase and set up a digital antenna, which is also explained on the website. The other problem is that… well… not many people know what OTA TV is and would prefer to watch the network over the TV service they already pay for.

Chicago Bulls
© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

As of now, DirecTV is the only mainstream provider currently offering the channel (655). The CHSN website also lists Astound (formerly RCN) as the station’s broadcaster on channels 685 and 576. Two of the big names missing with the regular season imminent are Comcast and YouTubeTV.

By the way, if you’re not in the state of Illinois, you can always purchase NBA League Pass. One plan features all out-of-market players from across the league, while another plan allows viewing for just one team at a cheaper price. However, if you are in the Chicagoland area, this is not an option you can take advantage of. Bulls games will be blacked out and broadcast only on CHSN.

If I had to guess, CHSN will have a deal with most major carriers and streaming services by opening night (October 23). At least that would be the hope! But for now, some people may have to get creative if they want to take a look at this new-look Chicago Bulls roster. If you want to stay up to date on where to watch upcoming games, I recommend checking out CHSN’s Info tab on their website. We will also try to keep you updated on what new services will be added in the coming weeks.