Ricketts Threatens To Move Cubs, But Not Sell Naming Rights

This week, Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts held a presentation about the proposed Wrigley Field renovations and made a few surprising remarks.

For the first time in public he said if they do not get their 6,000 square-foot video board he would move the team out of Chicago.

“I’m not sure how anyone is going to stop any signs in the outfield but if it comes to the point that we don’t have the ability to do what we need to do in the outfield then we are going to have to consider moving. It is as simple as that,” Ricketts said.

He quickly realized his mistake of making the statement in public and somewhat retracted it. He said the team is committed to working out any problems and win at Wrigley Field. He also said they will work out the video board with the rooftop owners and stay put in Wrigley. In 2003 the rooftop owners signed a contract with the previous Cubs owners until 2023 that shares part of the revenue with the team.

No matter what happens or where the Cubs play Ricketts will not sell the naming rights to Wrigley Field. 

“We think it has real meaning to people,” said Ricketts.

As someone who grew up a Cubs fan and met his wife in the famous bleachers, Ricketts should know the actual park and name has meaning not only to Cubs fans, but all baseball fans.