Chicago charges a 10.25% tax to stream a Cubs game

The city raised the streaming tax last year and maintains a 9% amusement tax on tickets.

Those of you who prefer streaming Cubs and White Sox games rather than battle the crowds at the stadium pay a hefty tax to do so in Chicago.

Starting at the beginning of 2025, Chicago raised its amusement tax on streaming services to 10.25%, up from 9%.

The city maintains a 9% amusement tax on “charges paid for the privilege to view or participate in all other taxable amusements,” a rate that’s been in place since 2009. That tax can help cover the cost of police, security and transportation at games, but none of those are needed when cheering from the couch.

Chicago’s amusement tax has brought in $2.2 billion in the past decade.

Chicago sports tickets are some of the most expensive in the nation. Apart from the White Sox, ticket prices for all other Chicago major-league teams are well above the national average, with Cubs tickets among the most expensive in baseball.

The amusement tax makes it harder to root for the home team. With a day at the ballpark now costing over $100, those in Chicago who choose to stream the game from home pay a higher tax than those who attend, adding more unnecessary cost to America’s pastime.