The Chicago Sports Network announced on Thursday the launch of a new subscription streaming service that will give fans access to live broadcasts of Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox games.

With the Bulls and Blackhawks seasons in full swing and Comcast carriage negotiations stalled, the Chicago Sports Network is moving forward this week with its direct-to-consumer streaming service, bypassing the pay-TV middleman to reach blacked-out viewers.

The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) is launching a streaming app Friday that would bring Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox games directly to consumers. Why it matters: The fledgling network, owned by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families,