The Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, are part of a consortium seeking to buy Chelsea FC and have revealed their plans in a bid to win over fans who are questioning the proposed takeover. Blues supporters have launched protests over the bid, with focus on unsavoury statements made in the past by members of the family.
The family would not hold a controlling stake in the club should the bid be approved in the process. The other members of the group include hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, among other wealthy investors, and a spokesperson for the group, Dennis Culloton, revealed details this week but would not confirm who would hold the leading share.
He explained: “That’s still shaping up and if they’re successful, I’m sure there will be more to be shared on that,”. The Chicago Cubs owners have also confirmed that their other franchise would not suffer should the group acquire ownership of the Blues.
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Cubs fans had been worried about the move, with questions over whether the Chicago based MLB franchise would have their interests protected in the wake of any move. However, Culloton put these fears to rest, explaining how any bid would work for both sides.
He said: “The Chicago Cubs are a closed loop,” he said. “All the revenue that is generated goes back into the team, in some fashion. So there’s no revenues from the Chicago Cubs being used for soccer or any other sports investment.”
On Saturday, Tom Ricketts released a statement in an attempt to win over Chelsea fans, he said: “Over the past fortnight, our bid team has met with several supporter groups to explain our vision for Chelsea Football Club. In those meetings, and by letter to all groups, we have shared a set of specific commitments we will make to fans, if our bid is successful.
“We believe these are far-reaching and certainly include an absolute commitment on part of the Ricketts Family and the bid team to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club.
“We look forward to more meetings - including with the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust - over the coming days and to making a public reiteration of our values and commitments.”
