The Chicago Bears are a charter NFL franchise with roots to 1919 (as the Decatur Staleys), moving to Chicago in 1921 and taking the Bears name in 1922. The club’s headquarters is Halas Hall, Lake Forest, Illinois.
George H. McCaskey is Chairman; Kevin Warren is President & CEO (since 2023); Ryan Poles is General Manager; and Ben Johnson was hired as head coach in January 2025. The team plays at Soldier Field while pursuing a domed stadium plan in Arlington Heights.
Professional American football team based in Chicago, the Chicago Bears are controlled by the Halas–McCaskey family, the longtime stewards of the franchise founded by George Halas. After the passing of principal owner Virginia Halas McCaskey on February 6, 2025, the family retained majority control, with George H. McCaskey serving as Chairman.
Minority stakes are held by longtime partners, including billionaire Patrick G. Ryan; a portion formerly held by Andrew J. McKenna Sr. is being evaluated for sale by his estate.
Chicago Bears Ownership Details
| Shareholder / Owner | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halas–McCaskey family | ~80% | Family control via trusts/entities; chaired by George H. McCaskey. Majority control confirmed historically at ~80%; continuity reaffirmed after Virginia’s passing. |
| Patrick G. Ryan | ~10% | Longtime minority owner (since 1990); Aon founder. |
| Estate/Heirs of Andrew J. McKenna Sr. | Remainder of ~10% | Minority stake originated in 1990; estate reviewing a sale of its portion in 2025 (no change to family majority). |
Note: The Bears are privately held; exact, current cap-table line items aren’t fully public. Figures above reflect the best-available reporting.
Halas–McCaskey family (Majority control, ~80%)
- Background: The Bears have been in the Halas–McCaskey lineage since founder George Halas. His daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey, became principal owner in 1983 and remained so until her 2025 passing at 102.
- Leadership today: George H. McCaskey is Chairman and the family has stated it intends to keep the team.
- Shareholding: Family members collectively control ~80% of the franchise.
Patrick G. Ryan (Minority owner, ~10%)
- Background: Chicago business leader and Aon founder; purchased part of a 20% bloc sold in 1990. Current stake reported around 10%.
- Role: Longtime board-level influence and minority partner.
Andrew J. McKenna Sr. estate (Minority owner, remainder)
- Background: The late Andrew J. McKenna Sr. (d. 2023) acquired a portion of the same 1990 minority sale.
- Current status: In June 2025, Bloomberg (via B/R) reported the club was exploring a sale of the McKenna estate’s minority stake; this does not affect the family’s majority control.
Recent Developments in Chicago Bears Ownership
- Feb 6, 2025: Principal owner Virginia Halas McCaskey passed away; the family retained control and reiterated intent to keep the franchise.
- June–Aug 2025: Reports indicated the club is evaluating a sale of the McKenna estate’s minority stake; no change to the Halas–McCaskey majority has been announced.
FAQs
Q) Who is the current owner of the Chicago Bears?
The team is majority-owned by the Halas–McCaskey family (chaired by George H. McCaskey), with minority partners including Patrick G. Ryan and the McKenna estate.
Q) Is the Chicago Bears organization publicly traded or privately owned?
The Bears are privately held. Their equity structure is not publicly disclosed in full, but reporting consistently shows family majority control with longtime minority holders.
Q) Who is the founder of the Chicago Bears?
George Halas—the club began as the Decatur Staleys (NFL charter member), moved to Chicago in 1921, and became the Bears in 1922.
Q) Has the ownership changed recently?
No change in majority control. After Virginia Halas McCaskey’s passing in 2025, the Halas–McCaskey family remains in charge. The McKenna estate’s minority stake is under review for sale, per reports.