ABC7 Sports Overtime Covers Chicago Sports Shakeups

Dionne Miller discusses rough starts for Cubs and White Sox, Bears NFL Draft plans, and changes for Bulls and Sky

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fractured, multi-angled painting depicting various Chicago sports scenes, including players, equipment, and stadiums, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.A cubist interpretation of the complex state of Chicago sports, with each team's struggles and changes reflected in a fragmented, geometric composition.Chicago Today

In the latest episode of ABC7 Sports Overtime, host Dionne Miller caught up with ESPN reporters to discuss the struggling starts to the season for the Chicago Cubs and White Sox, the Chicago Bears' plans for the upcoming NFL Draft, and major shakeups with the Chicago Bulls and Sky franchises. The show also touched on the continued playoff drought for the Chicago Blackhawks and the uncertain future of star forward Connor Bedard.

Why it matters

This episode of ABC7 Sports Overtime provides a comprehensive update on the state of several major Chicago sports teams as they navigate challenging starts to their seasons and make significant organizational changes. The insights from ESPN reporters give local fans a deeper understanding of the issues facing their hometown teams and the potential paths forward.

The details

Dionne Miller interviewed ESPN baseball writer Jesse Rogers about the slow starts for the Cubs and White Sox, who both find themselves in last place in their divisions early in the season. Rogers discussed whether the teams can turn things around as the weather warms up. Miller also spoke with ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller, who shared his thoughts on who the Bears might target in the upcoming draft and the overall depth of this year's class. The show also covered the recent front office shakeup for the Bulls, including the dismissal of top executives, as well as the Sky's blockbuster trade of star player Angel Reese. Finally, the Blackhawks' continued playoff drought and the uncertain future of Connor Bedard were addressed.

  • The latest episode of ABC7 Sports Overtime aired on April 17, 2026.
  • The Chicago Cubs and White Sox entered the weekend of April 17th in last place in their respective divisions.

The players

Dionne Miller

The host of ABC7 Sports Overtime, a weekly sports show on ABC7 Chicago.

Jesse Rogers

An ESPN baseball beat writer who covers the Chicago Cubs and White Sox.

Matt Miller

An ESPN NFL Draft analyst who provided insights on the upcoming draft and the Chicago Bears' plans.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, whose future with the team is uncertain after a front office shakeup.

Connor Bedard

A star forward for the Chicago Blackhawks whose rookie contract is expiring, creating uncertainty about his future with the team.

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What they’re saying

“Both teams entered the weekend in last place in their respective divisions. Jesse talked about whether he thinks the trend will continue or if either team will warm up with the weather.”

— Dionne Miller, Host

“Matt also talked about the depth in this draft and how it would be difficult for the Bears to go wrong.”

— Dionne Miller, Host

“GM Jeff Pagliocca boldly claims the Sky are in "win now" mode.”

— Dionne Miller, Host

“Bedard isn't worried about his rookie contract expiring nearly as much as he's focused on the Hawks making the playoffs and winning more games.”

— Dionne Miller, Host

What’s next

The Chicago Bears will make their selections in the upcoming NFL Draft, which could shape the future of the franchise. The Chicago Bulls and Sky will continue to navigate their respective roster changes and organizational shakeups as they prepare for the next NBA and WNBA seasons. The Chicago Blackhawks will work to end their playoff drought and determine the long-term future of Connor Bedard.

The takeaway

This episode of ABC7 Sports Overtime provided a comprehensive update on the current state of several major Chicago sports teams, highlighting the challenges they face and the significant changes underway within their organizations. The insights from ESPN reporters offered local fans a deeper understanding of the issues impacting their hometown teams and the potential paths forward as they look to turn things around and compete for championships.