Who Owns the Chicago Bears? – The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL’s oldest and most storied franchises, remain under family control more than a century after their founding. Fans across the USA often ask: Who owns the Chicago Bears today? Here’s the definitive, up-to-date answer.
History of Chicago Bears Ownership: From George Halas to the McCaskey Family
George Halas founded the Bears in 1920 (originally the Decatur Staleys) and purchased the team for roughly $100 in 1921/1924. He owned and led the franchise until his death in 1983, building it into an NFL powerhouse with multiple championships.
Upon Halas’s passing, ownership passed to his daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey, who served as principal owner from 1983 until her death on February 6, 2025, at age 102. She was the longest-tenured owner in NFL history and a beloved figure who prioritized the team’s legacy.
Current Owner of the Chicago Bears: George McCaskey and the McCaskey Family
George Halas McCaskey is the current chairman and controlling/principal owner of the Chicago Bears. He assumed the chairman role in 2011 and became the primary owner following his mother Virginia’s passing in 2025. As grandson of founder George Halas, he leads the family ownership group committed to long-term stewardship.
The McCaskey family (Halas heirs) maintains controlling interest. George McCaskey has publicly stated the family’s goal is to own the team for “another 100 years,” emphasizing continuity and the Halas legacy.
Ownership Structure and Minority Stakeholders
- McCaskey Family: Approximately 77% ownership (controlling stake). Multiple family members serve on the board.
- Ryan Family (Pat Ryan): Approximately 23% minority stake. Pat Ryan, a successful businessman and former Aon executive, has been a partner since the early 1990s.
In September 2025, the team completed an internal transaction involving the late Andrew McKenna’s ~2.35% stake. The McCaskey and Ryan families absorbed it, valuing the Bears at a record ~$8.9 billion. This reinforced family control without external investors.
The board of directors includes George McCaskey (Chairman), Kevin Warren (President & CEO), Patrick McCaskey, Brian J. McCaskey, Edward L. McCaskey, Ed McCaskey Jr., and Pat Ryan.
Key Executives and Day-to-Day Leadership
While the McCaskey family holds ownership control, business and football operations are led by professionals:
- Kevin Warren: President and CEO, overseeing all operations including the stadium project.
- Ryan Poles: General Manager.
- Ben Johnson: Head Coach (hired 2025).
Future of Bears Ownership and Stadium Plans
The McCaskey family has no plans to sell. Succession planning ensures the Halas-McCaskey legacy continues. The team is advancing a new stadium project, recently focusing on Hammond, Indiana, after exploring options in Arlington Heights and Chicago.
Why Bears Ownership Matters to Fans?
The Bears’ family ownership model is rare in modern sports. It prioritizes tradition over quick profits, though critics sometimes point to on-field performance. As of 2026, the franchise’s high valuation reflects its strong market position in one of America’s largest media markets.
For the latest official details, visit the Chicago Bears Front Office page.
Sources: Chicago Bears official site, NFL records, Chicago Tribune, ESPN, Wikipedia (for historical overview), Crain’s Chicago Business, and other reputable outlets (2025-2026 reporting). Information is current as of mid-2026.