Cubs Brass Hope to Sell By February

But team a long way from sold

(NEWSER) - The bidding for the Cubs is nearly over. The Tribune Co. could select a winner from the three finalists within a week to 10 days, the Chicago Tribune reports, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the team is about to be sold. Tribune would still need to negotiate with the winner and could still pull the team off the market. More»

Company now wants to sell franchise in parts, conflict with MLB possible

(NEWSER) - The Cubs' owners stoked fears of a long ordeal today by announcing their plan to sell the franchise in parts. Such a sale would limit Bud Selig’s influence over the deal and might garner the Tribune Co. more cash, the Los Angeles Times reports. But selling the field, network and land separately may take more time than the Trib can afford. More»

They' could both make long-suffering Cubs fans very happy

(NEWSER) - Team USA executive director Jerry Colangelo and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban are the two individuals most likely to buy the Cubs, argues Jon Heyman. Both have track records of success, and Colangelo is a Chicago native. The zany renegade Cuban seems to be on the list beause he didn't say "no" when asked by Jim Cramer if he was interested. More»

Family will pay $800M for 95% stake in team, Wrigley field

(NEWSER) - It’s official: Tribune Co. has signed an agreement to sell a majority stake in the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts family, the Chicago Tribune reports. Picked as the winning bidder for the franchise in January, family negotiated a deal to pay $800 million for a 95% stake in the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and the Tribune's stake in Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The Tribune is retaining a 5% stake in those assets. More»

(NEWSER) - It looks like the Cubs are returning to family ownership, the Chicago Tribune reports. The billionaire Ricketts family is the winning bidder to buy the baseball team from Sam Zell's Tribune Co. The $900 million deal isn't sealed yet—other baseball owners must approve, for one thing—but it's expected to be complete before spring training in April. The Wrigley family owned the team for 65 years before selling to Tribune in 1981. More»