The Laura Ricketts-led group finalized its purchase of the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars on Friday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The final bid totaled $60 million, with $35.5 million going toward closing with the previous owners and $25.5 million toward future investment, people briefed on the bid confirmed. The club said the deal was “valued at $60 million.”
- The group reached an agreement to purchase the club in mid-August.
- Ricketts is also a minority owner of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky and a co-owner of the MLB’s Chicago Cubs.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What’s next?
I spoke to Ricketts and Laura Desmond, one of the ownership group, last week ahead of the closing for the sale of the Red Stars on the massive project ahead (the interview will run next week here at The Athletic). One of the main themes of our conversation was how much work lies ahead for this new ownership group on all fronts, and the relatively short turnaround time until next season.
“We’re going to be attacking it all at once, honestly,” Ricketts said. “We really want to stand this team up and get in a really healthy, thriving place before the next season begins. We’re gonna have to close this deal and really dig in and figure out what has to be done immediately, and prioritize.”
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