The Chicago Cubs are a household name in the MLB franchise as a member club of the National League Central Division. The team was originally founded in 1870 as the Chicago White Stockings before rebranding to the Cubs in 1903.
The Chicago Cubs are also a successful franchise in the MLB, having won three World Series titles.
List of Chicago Cubs owners
The Chicago Cubs are currently owned by the Ricketts family, who have been the principal owners of the franchise since its acquisition in 2009 for $845 million.
Who are the Ricketts family?
Thomas Stuart Ricketts
The Ricketts family is led by Thomas Stuart Ricketts, an American businessman and executive. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Incapital LLC, which provides securities and individual investors more efficient access to corporate bonds.
Thomas Stuart Ricketts, along with his sister Laura and brother Todd, is on the board of directors for the Cubs.
Thomas is the son of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation founder J. Joseph Ricketts.
Laura Marie Ricketts
Laura Marie Ricketts is an American political activist and former attorney. She co-owns the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Stars Football Club of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
Todd Matthew Ricketts
Todd Matthew Ricketts is an American businessman and politician and co-owner of the Chicago Cubs.
When was the Chicago Cubs established?
The Cubs were founded in 1870 as the Chicago White Stockings before the name change in 1903.
Ownership history of the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs MLB franchise has gone through a series of ownerships throughout its history. The team was originally founded as the Chicago White Stockings in 1870.
William A. Hulbert - 1876
William A. Hulbert was the owner of the Chicago Cubs then, as the Chicago White Stockings. It was one of the eight charter members of the National League.
Albert Spalding - 1882
Albert Spalding took control of the team to become the new owner of the franchise. He was a former baseball player with significant interest in sports team ownership.
James Hart - 1902
James Hart, who was the president of the Chicago Cubs, assumed ownership of the franchise after acquiring it from Albert Spalding.
Charles Taft - 1905
Charles Taft, who was famously known for his ownership of the Cincinnati Star, financed Charles Murphy to purchase the Chicago Cubs. He invested $110,000 of Charles Murphy's $125,000 to acquire the team while Charles had only $15,000.
Charles Taft - 1914
Charles Taft purchased the Cubs from Charles Murphy.
Charles Weeghman - 1916
Charles Weeghman and nine others purchased the Cubs from Charles Taft and later moved the team to Weeghman Park at the corner of Clark and Addison.
William Wrigley Jr – 1921
William Wrigley Jr purchased the controlling stake in the team. Wrigley Field. Philip K. became the new owner following the passing of his father, even as William Wrigley also took control of the franchise later on.
The Tribune Company – 1981
The Tribune Company purchased the Chicago Cubs from William Wrigley for $20.5 million.
The Ricketts Family - 2009-presesnt
The Ricketts family purchased the Cubs in a transaction valued at $845 million in 2009. According to the official MLB website, Tribune retains a five per cent ownership interest while the Ricketts family sold a minority non-voting interest to investors in February of 2015.
Ballpark Information
The Chicago Cubs currently play their home games at Wrigley Field, with a seating capacity of 41,649 seats, and it was opened in 1914.
Conference & Division
The Chicago Cubs are members of the National League (NL) Central Division. The Chicago Cubs have won three World Series titles with 17 National League pennants and 6 NL Central Division titles.