The Ricketts family could potentially have another sports franchise on their hands.
According to Mark Kleinman of Sky News, the Ricketts family, which owns the Chicago Cubs, are one of several parties interested in buying Chelsea Football Club of the Premier League.
“The apparent interest of the Ricketts family, which owns the Chicago Cubs, is arguably the most eye-catching of the names to be linked to efforts to end Mr. [Roman] Abramovich’s 19-year ownership of the club,” according to Kleinman.
Abramovich, a wealthy Russian businessman, recently decided to put the team up for sale following calls for him to face sanctions in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He is seeking 3 billion pounds, or the equivalent of $3.3 billion U.S. dollars, for the club.
Per Kleinman, UFC fighter Conor McGregor and U.S. businessman Todd Boehly, who owns minority shares of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers, are also among those interested.
McGregor had tweeted his interest in the club earlier in the week and has apparently begun discussions with potential partners for financial backing.
The Ricketts family has flirted with buying a soccer team in the past, bidding on AC Milan back in 2018.
The Ricketts have owned the Chicago Cubs since 2009, purchasing the team and a share of Comcast SportsNet Chicago for $845 million. Per Forbes, the Cubs are estimated to be worth $3.36 billion.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram