Who Owns the Other 20%? A Bears-y Tale
So, you're wondering who the lucky ducks are that own the other 20% of the Chicago Bears, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is about to get real interesting.
The Halas Dynasty: A Family Affair
Let's start with the big cheese: the Halas family. Now, you might think owning an NFL team is all glitz and glamour, but trust me, it's mostly spreadsheets and early morning meetings. At the helm is Virginia McCaskey, the daughter of the legendary George Halas, the man who pretty much invented professional football. She’s got a bigger stake in the Bears than a linebacker has in tackling. We're talking a whopping 80% ownership.
But wait, there's more! The McCaskey clan, specifically Virginia’s son, George McCaskey Jr., holds down the fort as chairman. So, yeah, it's basically a family business. Kind of like the mafia, but with less questionable activities (we hope).
The Outsider Investors
Now, let's talk about the other 20%. This is where things get a bit more...complicated. A chunk of that belongs to a couple of Chicago bigwigs: Andrew McKenna and Patrick Ryan. Think of them as the wealthy uncles who occasionally show up with fancy gifts and unsolicited advice.
McKenna and Ryan, together, own a cool 19.7% of the team. It's like they bought a really expensive piece of football-shaped art. And hey, who are we to judge? If you've got the money, why not?
So, Who's Really in Charge?
While Virginia McCaskey is the majority owner, it's a team effort to run a franchise this size. The McCaskeys have the final say, but they rely on a team of executives, coaches, and players to keep the ship afloat. It's like a giant Jenga tower; one wrong move and the whole thing could come crashing down.
How to Become a Bears Owner (Probably Not)
Okay, so you're dreaming of owning a piece of the Windy City's football pride. Well, I've got some news for you: it's not as easy as winning the lottery (although that would help). Here are a few tips, if you're feeling adventurous:
- How to become a billionaire: The most straightforward method.
- How to invent the next big thing: Think social media, but for football fans.
- How to be related to Virginia McCaskey: A long shot, but hey, you never know.
- How to win a really, really big bet: Good luck with that.
- How to time travel and buy the team for a dollar: This one's a bit out there, but we're open to suggestions.
So there you have it, a crash course in Bears ownership. Remember, while it's fun to speculate about who owns what, the real magic happens on the field. Unless, of course, you're one of the lucky few who can afford a piece of the action. In that case, congratulations! You're living the dream.