Current Controlling Owner of the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are controlled by the Ricketts family through the holding company Cubs Holdings LLC. The principal owner is Joe Ricketts, who founded TD Ameritrade and built the family stake in the club. The Ricketts family office manages the investment, with Joe Ricketts serving as the controlling figure behind the franchise Forbes.
Cubs Holdings LLC operates the team as a limited liability company that consolidates ownership of the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and related businesses. The structure allows the family to manage baseball operations, stadium operations, and commercial partnerships under one entity. This setup is common among major league clubs and simplifies governance and financial reporting.
Ownership Structure and Investment Group
The Ricketts family investment group includes multiple family members and affiliated entities that hold economic interests in the franchise. The group acquired the Cubs and Wrigley Field in 2009 from Tribune Company in a leveraged buyout that valued the team at roughly $900 million at the time of the transaction SEC.
Key Entities and Shareholders
Ownership stakes are held through a mix of family trusts, investment vehicles, and direct equity in Cubs Holdings LLC. While the Ricketts family maintains majority control, the structure includes minority partners and institutional capital providers who participate in the broader investment portfolio. The group also oversees related assets tied to the Cubs brand and Wrigley Field district.
Franchise Value and Financial Performance
As of the latest public estimates, the Chicago Cubs franchise is valued at more than $5 billion, placing it among the most valuable franchises in Major League Baseball. The valuation reflects revenue from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and stadium operations at Wrigley Field Forbes.
The Cubs generate significant annual revenue through a combination of national television deals, local broadcasting, and commercial partnerships tied to Wrigley Field and the Chicago market. The team operates under the collective bargaining agreement with MLB and shares central revenue streams with the other 29 clubs while retaining local revenue from its media market and stadium operations MLB.com.
Recent Capital and Facility Investments
The ownership group has funded extensive renovations and capital projects at Wrigley Field and surrounding properties to modernize facilities and increase revenue capacity. These investments include structural upgrades, premium seating, and mixed-use development around the stadium to enhance fan experience and commercial returns.