CHICAGO — In a stunning turn of events that could redefine Chicago Cubs history, rumors are swirling that Anthony Rizzo, beloved former first baseman and franchise icon, is poised to become an official co-owner of the Cubs once this year’s World Series concludes. Sources inside the organization say the deal is already in motion — and fans are reeling.
The whispers started in the Cubs’ front-office corridors just days ago, when executives reportedly began discreet conversations about transferring partial ownership stakes to Rizzo, who has already announced his retirement and was named a team ambassador. What once sounded like fan speculation has grown into real talk among insiders.
One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“It’s not just symbolic. Anthony wants skin in the game. He’s been with the Cubs through thick and thin. He’s more than a legend — he wants to help steer the ship.”
Rizzo, who announced his retirement on September 10 and was honored in a ceremony at Wrigley Field, has been a constant voice in Cubs media and community events since stepping off the field.
As a team ambassador, he’s spoken frequently about legacy, leadership, and giving back — and now insiders suggest ownership is his next step.
If true, this would be a drastic and unprecedented move for the Ricketts family–led Cubs organization, which has traditionally kept ownership tightly held. The idea of a former player ascending to the ownership ranks — especially one so adored by fans — is electrifying and potentially destabilizing for some.
One front-office insider was blunt: “This isn’t a PR stunt. It’s a bet. A bet that the Cubs future needs more than just names in the dugout. They want someone with real credibility, someone who’s earned it with blood, sweat, and Cubs DNA — and that’s Anthony.”
But questions abound. What percentage stake would Rizzo receive? Will there be changes in leadership or direction? And will this move alienate longtime executives who have held power for years? For now, no contracts have been made public, but word is club lawyers and financial advisors are already drawing up plans.
Across social media, fans are dividing into two camps: “Legend turned legend-maker” vs. “Too much too soon.” A viral thread on Cubs fan forums reads: “If Rizzo is co-owner, it’s the dream. But can he survive the boardroom?” Another ominous reply: “Don’t mess with a family’s business. This might blow up.”
Among current Cubs personnel, reaction is mixed. Some players and staff view Rizzo’s involvement as a guiding force — someone who understands the pressures, the legacy, the emotional weight of Cubs fandom. Others quietly worry about power shifts and allegiances.
For Ricketts family, the move carries risk and reward. On one hand, it’s a play for goodwill — transforming one of the game’s most beloved stars into a partner. On the other, opening doors to former players in ownership could create precedents and push the club toward a fundamentally different corporate culture.
If the Cubs do go on to win the World Series — a possibility still alive this October — that title could be the perfect backdrop for this ownership transition. Talk is that the official announcement could come in that window between the final game and the holidays, tying glory on the field with the passing of the torch in the front office.
As it stands tonight, the rumors remain unconfirmed. But one thing is clear: if Anthony Rizzo does become co-owner, it would send shockwaves not just through Chicago, but throughout Major League Baseball — a former player-hero stepping from the field into the boardroom, carrying the hopes of fans and the weight of history on his shoulders.
Stay tuned — because this story is just beginning.
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