• Loading stock data...
Thursday, August 21, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!

Chicago Cubs, Sky Co-Owner Set To Acquire NWSL’s Red Stars

  • Laura Ricketts expands Chicago pro sports empire
  • Deal ends controversial tenure of outgoing owner Arnim Whisler
Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most prominent pro sports team owners in Chicago is expanding her local empire.

A group led by Laura Ricketts, co-owner of MLB’s Cubs and a minority owner of the WNBA’s Sky, has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars from outgoing owner Arnim Whisler.

Industry sources pegged the deal at up to $35.5 million — a robust number, as the NWSL continues to grow, but no match for the $53 million expansion fee paid for Bay FC.

The deal brings a much more prominent and public sports ownership role for Ricketts. Though part of the Ricketts family’s purchase of the Cubs in 2009, Laura Ricketts has been far less in the limelight than her brother Tom, the team’s executive chairman. She has led the Cubs’ philanthropic efforts as the chair of Cubs Charities.

Ricketts just bought a minority share of the Michael Alter-led Sky in June along with several other investors, solidifying a long-developing interest. But with the Red Stars, she will be the lead of an investor group including several local and international business leaders, including Ventas CEO Debra Cafaro, part of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ownership led by Fenway Sports Group.

An original NWSL franchise, the Red Stars have been league runner-up in 2019 and 2021. The club was put up for sale late last year after Whisler was found to be part of a pattern of abuse and sexual misconduct within the league. 

The Ricketts deal, still pending league approval, is several months behind an intended timetable.

“There is unprecedented fan growth in women’s soccer globally, and we want to be part of building that momentum here in Chicago,” Ricketts said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 5, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to drive past New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) in the third quarter at Barclays Center.

Man Arrested for Throwing Dildo at Liberty Game

After police released his photo, the man turned himself in.

Sophie Cunningham Receives 3rd WNBA Fine for Criticizing Refs

This is Cunningham’s third fine in about a month.
Bay FC

Bay FC Set to Break NWSL Attendance Record in San Francisco

NWSL players have often resisted playing at baseball stadiums.

Featured Today

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.
Middle Tennessee wide receiver Cam'ron Lacy (86) catches a pass and carries the ball during the season final home football game against New Mexico State on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
August 15, 2025

How Middle Tennessee State Added $668,000 to Its NIL Budget

The Blue Raiders are creating a new blueprint for cutting costs.
Bridgewater American 12U Little League player Micah Poulter holds a District 7 pin during a send-off rally to the New England regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut, from Legion Field on Friday, August 2, 2024.
August 14, 2025

Inside the Little League World Series Pin Trade

The rare little collectibles fuel a frenzy in Williamsport each summer.
Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore

Timberwolves Lay Off Dozens After A-Rod, Lore Take Over

Rodriguez and Lore took over the Wolves and Lynx in June.
August 19, 2025

Rockies Are No Longer on Record-Setting Path to Rock Bottom

The MLB club’s play improves considerably.
August 20, 2025

Yankees TV Ratings Swing Up 5% From 2024, 12% Higher Than Mets

The club’s local viewership improves, due largely to surges in streaming.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) react after a play against the New York Knicks in the second quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
August 19, 2025

Full Celtics Ownership Picture Clearer As Chisholm Takes Over 

Chisholm immediately takes over as lead governor.
August 18, 2025

MLB’s Payroll Powerhouses Bounce Back After Summer Swoon

MLB’s top spenders have begun to regain their footing.
Ryan Reynolds
August 14, 2025

Wrexham Not Slowing Down With $27 Million Transfer Spree

Wrexham is in the Championship after three straight promotions.
August 14, 2025

Atlanta Dream Surge to Top As WNBA’s Lone Independent Power

The Dream moved to No. 2 in the WNBA standings on Wednesday.