Led by Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and minority owner of the Chicago Sky, an ownership group comprised of prominent businesswomen from Chicago have agreed to purchase the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars. Terms of the deal were not disclosed; however, The Washington Spirit was sold for $35 million earlier in 2022. This sale is still pending approval by NWSL Board of Governors.
The ownership group includes Ventas CEO Deb Cafaro (also a minority owner with NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins), Tawani Enterprises President and CEO Jennifer Pritzker, Loop Capital Partner Sidney Dillard and Impact Engine Partner/CEO Jessica Droste Yagan. This acquisition marks a new era for Red Stars after former head coach Rory Dames resigned in 2021 due to allegations against him regarding emotional abuse towards players; then-owner Arnim Whisler was fired as chairman soon after agreeing to sell his team – currently 11th on NWSL standings – shortly thereafter.
