The Chicago Cubs is a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The team is one of the oldest and most iconic franchises in baseball, playing home games at Wrigley Field. The Cubs compete in the National League (NL) Central Division and have a passionate fan base across the country. Founded in 1876, the team has won multiple NL pennants and a historic World Series in 2016, breaking a 108-year championship drought.
Ownership Status of Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs is privately owned. The team is owned by the Ricketts family, who purchased the Cubs from the Tribune Company in 2009. Thomas S. Ricketts serves as the Chairman, overseeing operations and strategic decisions. Ownership is consolidated within the Ricketts family, with siblings Todd, Pete, and Laura Ricketts also involved in leadership and board responsibilities.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas S. Ricketts | Primary owner | Chairman and CEO of Cubs; co-founder of Incapital LLC |
| Todd Ricketts | Family shareholder | Board member and involved in business operations |
| Pete Ricketts | Family shareholder | Former board member, Governor of Nebraska |
| Laura Ricketts | Family shareholder | Co-owner and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights |
Note: Ownership is fully held by the Ricketts family; there are no public shareholders.
About the Primary owner- Thomas S. Ricketts
Thomas Stuart Ricketts (born May 23, 1963) is an American businessman and executive who serves as the Chairman of the Chicago Cubs. He is also the founder and chairman of Incapital LLC, a financial services firm specializing in the underwriting of debt products to the retail market. Ricketts played a pivotal role in leading the family’s acquisition of the Cubs in 2009, a deal valued at $845 million during an economic downturn. His leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing Wrigley Field and enhancing the team’s competitiveness.
Thomas S. Ricketts Net Worth
As of 2025, Thomas S. Ricketts’ estimated net worth is approximately $900 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his ownership stake in the Chicago Cubs and his leadership role at Incapital LLC. Additionally, he holds a directorial position at TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation, founded by his father, J. Joseph Ricketts. While the Ricketts family’s collective net worth is substantial, individual figures like Tom’s are not publicly disclosed in detail.
Key Shareholder Highlights
The Ricketts family actively manages the Cubs organization:
- Thomas S. Ricketts leads as Chairman, responsible for major business and operational decisions.
- Todd Ricketts contributes financial and business expertise.
- Pete Ricketts brought political and leadership experience while on the board.
- Laura Ricketts provides advocacy and community engagement perspective.
This family-led structure allows the Cubs to maintain a unified strategy for team management and stadium development.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Recent developments include:
- In 2019, the Cubs acquired the remaining 5% stake from the Tribune Company, consolidating full ownership under the Ricketts family.
- Investments in Wrigley Field renovations and the surrounding neighborhood have strengthened the team’s brand and fan experience.
- The 2027 MLB All-Star Game will be hosted at Wrigley Field, reflecting the family’s commitment to major events and community engagement.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of Chicago Cubs?
The Ricketts family owns the Chicago Cubs, with Thomas S. Ricketts serving as Chairman. The family consolidated full ownership in 2019.
2. Is Chicago Cubs publicly traded or privately owned?
The Cubs are privately owned by the Ricketts family.
3. Who founded Chicago Cubs?
The franchise was founded in 1876 as part of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Ownership is stable under the Ricketts family. The last major consolidation was in 2019 when they acquired the remaining shares from the Tribune Company.
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