I've never really understood the Cubs mentality on this. They had their own network for years, WGN TV. It was a channel that was on almost every cable/satellite provider. They showed the Cubs every day they played. I still say this is what put the Cubs in the position they are in with so many fans across the country, not just Chicago. The Cubs were on TV every day, at a time when baseball in general was only on a couple of times a week, at most.
Granted, Tribune/WGN used to own the Cubs and that no longer exists, but my first goal as a Cubs owner would have been to try and continue that relationship. The exposure that WGN gave the Cubs was second to none.
Obviously, this will probably bring them more short term cash, but will they grow the fanbase like they did in the early years of cable TV? I think this is great, if you are a Cubs fan and have access to the channel, but you aren't going to get anyone to sign up who isn't already a Cubs fan. Hell, my wife is a big Cubs fan, used to watch most of their games. She's already said there is no way we are paying for another channel/streaming service.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't know **** and am probably talking out of my ass, but my goal as an owner would be to constantly be growing the fanbase, not limiting access to only those who can afford it. Probably why I'm not a billionaire like the Ricketts.