The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team competing in the National Hockey League (NHL). They are one of the league’s “Original Six” franchises, known for their rich history and passionate fan base.
The team is based in Chicago, Illinois, and plays its home games at the United Center, which they share with the Chicago Bulls of the NBA. Founded in 1926, the Blackhawks have won multiple Stanley Cup Championships, making them one of the most successful franchises in the NHL.
Ownership Status of the Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are privately owned, not a publicly traded organization. The team is controlled by the Wirtz Corporation, a family-owned holding company based in Chicago.
The Wirtz family has owned the franchise for decades, with the ownership passing through generations. The company also holds interests in real estate, banking, beverage distribution (Breakthru Beverage Group), and other ventures.
Major Ownership Entity
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wirtz Corporation | Controlling Owner | A private family business that owns the Chicago Blackhawks along with several other major enterprises. |
| Danny Wirtz | Chairman & CEO | The current head of the Wirtz family empire and team leader for the Blackhawks. |
Note: As the team is privately owned, exact ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed.
About Danny Wirtz
Danny Wirtz (born in 1977) is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and sports executive. He currently serves as the Chairman & CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Wirtz Corporation.
He is the fourth-generation leader of the Wirtz family empire, succeeding his father, Rocky Wirtz. Danny grew up in Winnetka, Illinois, attended Loyola Academy, and later graduated from Boston College.
Before assuming control of the Blackhawks, Danny worked across several divisions of the Wirtz Corporation, gaining experience in finance, operations, and leadership. He is also a senior executive within Breakthru Beverage Group, one of North America’s largest alcohol distributors.
As the current team head, Danny Wirtz is focused on rebuilding the Blackhawks, fostering a positive organizational culture, and restoring fan trust after challenging seasons. He has publicly emphasized transparency, teamwork, and accountability as key values guiding the team’s future.
Danny Wirtz Net Worth
As of 2025, Danny Wirtz’s net worth is estimated at around $1.5 billion USD, according to sports and business outlets such as BetMGM and The Sports Daily.
However, because the Wirtz Corporation is a privately held company, exact figures are not publicly available. The Wirtz family’s overall fortune has been valued at over $4 billion USD, derived from their ownership in sports, real estate, and the beverage distribution industry.
Given Danny’s position as the current head of the family empire, his personal wealth represents a significant portion of this total. His combined assets and corporate holdings make him one of the wealthiest NHL owners today.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- The Wirtz family has been associated with the Blackhawks for over 60 years, maintaining full control of the franchise.
- The late Rocky Wirtz was instrumental in reviving the team’s public image and success during the 2000s.
- After Rocky Wirtz’s death in July 2023, leadership transitioned to his son Danny Wirtz, who now serves as Chairman & CEO of both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Wirtz Corporation.
- Under Danny’s leadership, the organization is focusing on rebuilding, cultural change, and fan engagement.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Following the passing of Rocky Wirtz in 2023, Danny Wirtz took over the Wirtz Corporation and assumed the primary leadership role of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Under Danny’s direction, the franchise is undergoing a new era of rebuilding, emphasizing youth development, team culture, and a modernized approach to both management and fan relations.
The Wirtz family continues to oversee operations and maintain 100% private ownership, ensuring the Blackhawks remain within the family legacy.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Chicago Blackhawks?
The Chicago Blackhawks are owned by the Wirtz Corporation and led by Danny Wirtz, who serves as the Chairman & CEO.
2. Is the Chicago Blackhawks publicly traded or privately owned?
The team is privately owned through the Wirtz family’s Wirtz Corporation.
3. Who founded the Chicago Blackhawks?
The team was founded in 1926 by Major Frederic McLaughlin, a Chicago coffee tycoon and World War I veteran.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In 2023, following the death of Rocky Wirtz, Danny Wirtz officially became the Chairman & CEO, continuing the family legacy.
5. What is Danny Wirtz’s estimated net worth?
His net worth is estimated at around $1.5 billion USD, while the Wirtz family fortune exceeds $4 billion USD.
6. What other businesses does the Wirtz Corporation own?
The Wirtz Corporation has interests in real estate, finance, Breakthru Beverage Group, and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks Official Website
The Chicago Blackhawks are privately owned by the Wirtz family, through their multi-billion-dollar holding company, Wirtz Corporation.
After the passing of Rocky Wirtz in 2023, his son Danny Wirtz became the Chairman & CEO, representing the fourth generation of family leadership.
Today, Danny Wirtz, with an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion USD, continues to shape the future of the Blackhawks, focusing on team rebuilding, fan engagement, and modern leadership values that preserve the franchise’s proud legacy.
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