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Laura Ricketts: Co-Owner Chicago Cubs, Chicago Stars, Chicago Sky · 24:02

In this episode of On Stage, Laura Ricketts—co-owner of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Sky—sits down with Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal. Recorded on October 30, 2024, at SBJ’s Dealmakers Conference in Washington, D.C., the conversation highlights Ricketts’ unique position as one of the few women to hold a majority stake in a U.S. professional sports team. Ricketts reflects on her journey across MLB, WNBA, and NWSL ownership, and how her philanthropic and activist commitments shape the way she approaches sports as a business and cultural platform. Key themes include: - Trailblazing Ownership: What it means to be a female majority owner in a male-dominated space. - Investing in Women’s Sports: Lessons from her time with the Red Stars and her ongoing role with the Chicago Sky. - Philanthropy & Activism: How values-driven leadership influences business decisions and community engagement. - Building Sustainable Franchises: Insights into long-term vision, governance, and fan connection across teams. It’s a candid, wide-ranging conversation from a leader redefining what it means to win on and off the field. 🔔Subscribe to SBJ on YouTube: https://bit.ly/41bbXaV #chicagocubs #chicagosky #chicagostars #sportsbusiness 0:00 - Intro 1:15 - Laura Ricketts on the mission and vision for her in sports ownership 3:00 - Learning the Power of Sport 4:10 - Being intentional about diversity and women in leadership 6:20 - Understanding the difference in fans in one community 7:30 - Profile as an owner 8:30 - NWSL as a property and potential growth 9:25 - NWSL-specific facility in Chicago as well as training facility and team HQ 12:55 - Competition for financing in the state of Illinois 16:15 - Ricketts on WNBA CBA negotiation & NWSL CBA 17:00 - Ownership groups in the NWSL 19:30 - Laura Ricketts leadership style 21:55 - Sports industry being more inclusive 22:15 - Buy, sell, hold questions

September 10, 2025

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