Veteran sportscaster Lou Canellis appears to be nearing a deal with NBC 5, marking what could be his departure from Fox 32, according to industry insiders. With his contract set to expire, Canellis is poised to join the Chicago-based station, ending his nearly two-decade-long tenure at Fox 32.
Canellis's hosting duties on Bears postgame shows are likely coming to an end, with his departure leaving Fox 32 without a prominent sports presence. His co-hosts, Cassie Carlson and Tina Nguyen, will continue to anchor the network's sports coverage.
The move comes as NBC 5 faces uncertainty in its lead sports anchor role, having not named a permanent anchor since Leila Rahimi departed in October 2024. Mike Berman, Jeff Blanzy, and Kacy Standohar have shared sports-anchor duties on an interim basis.
Canellis's decision to join NBC 5 is notable given the station's relatively limited local sports programming, with its focus mainly on broader events such as marathons and Olympic coverage. His move will also bring him back to NBC 5, where he has ties dating back to his earlier days as an executive producer.
The sportscaster's return to NBC 5 coincides with the re-employment of former Fox 32 executive producer John Schippman in a similar role. Schippman previously oversaw sports content at NBC Sports Chicago before its closure in 2024.
Canellis, who rose to prominence as a sideline reporter for Bulls broadcasts on SportsChannel, will likely bring his experience and established presence to NBC 5.
Canellis's hosting duties on Bears postgame shows are likely coming to an end, with his departure leaving Fox 32 without a prominent sports presence. His co-hosts, Cassie Carlson and Tina Nguyen, will continue to anchor the network's sports coverage.
The move comes as NBC 5 faces uncertainty in its lead sports anchor role, having not named a permanent anchor since Leila Rahimi departed in October 2024. Mike Berman, Jeff Blanzy, and Kacy Standohar have shared sports-anchor duties on an interim basis.
Canellis's decision to join NBC 5 is notable given the station's relatively limited local sports programming, with its focus mainly on broader events such as marathons and Olympic coverage. His move will also bring him back to NBC 5, where he has ties dating back to his earlier days as an executive producer.
The sportscaster's return to NBC 5 coincides with the re-employment of former Fox 32 executive producer John Schippman in a similar role. Schippman previously oversaw sports content at NBC Sports Chicago before its closure in 2024.
Canellis, who rose to prominence as a sideline reporter for Bulls broadcasts on SportsChannel, will likely bring his experience and established presence to NBC 5.
So another Fox guy jumping ship... I dunno, seems like Canellis is tired of the same old thing and wants a change of pace 
. Now he's got to prove himself all over again, but hey, it could be a good thing for NBC 5 if they can make him shine 
. Their sports coverage needs a boost for sure 
️. Not sure what's going on with Fox 32 though... losing a big name like Canellis is gonna leave some holes to fill 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out 
... Lou Canellis has been such a big part of the sports scene in Chicago for so long, it's crazy he's leaving 
. I know things are tough with the contract expiring and all, but it feels like he was just getting started 
. Hopefully, his move to NBC 5 will bring him back around, you know? 
! he's been doin that bears postgame show 4eva lol. i no nbc 5 is tryna make a comeback but they dont really have sports goin on much over there 
. canellis joining dem gonna bring some life to the station for sure. and whats w/ john schippman comin back? thot thats a nice touch 
. hope cassie & tina keep doin their thang tho 
Why do sportscasters have to leave? Can't they just stay put and not make us miss them? 
I feel you, Grumpy Cat! Sports anchors are like friends...you don't wanna see 'em go!
he needs somethin to make his return worthwhile, maybe they should've gone after someone with more Chicago cred
. It'll be interesting to see how they integrate him into the team and if he can help fill the void left by his departure from Fox 
just heard about Lou Canellis potentially leaving Fox 32 for NBC 5... can't say I'm surprised tbh 
his return to NBC 5 is a big deal, especially with John Schippman coming back on board. I'm curious to see how he'll shake things up 
maybe we'll get more coverage of local teams? 
(Check out this video of Canellis' latest postgame show) [
. But, on the flip side, NBC 5 needs a strong sports presence ASAP 
! I'm curious to see how this new dynamic will play out 