Chicago Bears Explore Sale of Minority Stake Amid Stadium Plans

The Chicago Bears are exploring the sale of a minority stake in the team formerly owned by the late Andrew McKenna Sr., who died in 2023. While the McCaskey family, who control about 80% of the franchise, remain committed to maintaining majority ownership, selling a minority stake could help fund a new stadium in Arlington Heights. The Bears have engaged Galatioto Sports Partners to manage the sale, and existing stakeholders like Pat Ryan, who owns 17.67%, likely have a right of first refusal. The team's valuation, estimated at $6.4 billion by Forbes in 2024, has likely increased since then, making McKenna's shares potentially worth around $172 million or more. The NFL's recent approval of private equity investments has opened new avenues for teams like the Bears to raise capital through minority ownership sales. Despite these changes, the McCaskey family has affirmed its intention to retain control of the franchise amid evolving ownership dynamics and stadium plans.