The Chicago Bears, a prominent franchise in the NFL, has been valued at an impressive $8.8 billion following an agreement by the owners to repurchase a portion of the team. According to a report from Sportico, the McCaskey and Ryan families will acquire a 2% equity share from the estate of Andrew McKenna, a deal that awaits approval from the league.
The McCaskey family currently holds approximately 77.5% of the Bears, with the remaining stake owned by the Ryans. Pat Ryan, a notable figure who founded Aon and is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, especially at Northwestern University—where sports facilities are named after him—continues to play a role in the team’s ownership.
This valuation elevates the Bears to the status of the most expensive franchise in NFL history, following substantial recent sales from teams like the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers, all exceeding the $8 billion mark.
George McCaskey, the Bears’ chairman, reflects on the legacy of Andrew McKenna, who passed away in February at the age of 102, highlighting his significant contributions to various sectors, including sports and education. McKenna, alongside Ryan, originally acquired a 19.6% stake in the Bears in 1990.
This transition in ownership not only marks a crucial financial development for the team but also honors the impactful legacy of McKenna, reinforcing the community and cultural significance of the franchise within Chicago.
Overall, this shift in ownership and the high valuation present a positive outlook for the Bears as they continue to engage with their loyal fan base and community.