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Cubs, White Sox Games Could Be Blacked Out On WGN-TV

(CBS) Cubs and White Sox fans might have a problem watching their team's games if they subscribe to DirecTV.

Locked in a contract dispute, all Tribune-owned stations across the country went dark on DirecTV Sunday at midnight. In Chicago, that includes WGN-TV, home to a number of Cubs and White Sox games during the season.

A total of 65 Cubs games and 30 White Sox are set to air on WGN-TV this season, starting with the Cubs' home-opener Thursday against Washington at 1:20 p.m. The first White Sox game on WGN is scheduled for Saturday against Texas at 7:05 p.m.

Tribune Co. is looking for retransmission compensation from DirecTV to carry its 23 local television stations and WGN America. Negotiations broke down last week before the contract expired at midnight Sunday.

If a deal isn't reached by Thursday, Cubs fans might not be able to watch the opener on DirecTV. The blackout would also be in effect at a number of bars and restaurants that use the satellite television company to show Cubs and White Sox games in their establishments.

The blackout also includes WPIX-TV in New York, which airs New York Mets games, and WPHL-TV in Philadelphia, which shows the Phillies.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's John Waelti Reports

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