Category: Sam Zell

No One Will Call Wrigley By Anything Other Than Wrigley

March 5, 2008 by Squib Hits

Maury Brown and Kurt Hunzeker at The Biz of Baseball write on Sam Zell's exploration of selling the naming rights to Wrigley Field:

Sam Zell has said that he should be able to selling the naming rights to Wrigley for as much as $400 million over $20 years, a deal that would match Citigroup’s deal with the Mets’ new stadium as the largest payout for a naming rights in US pro franchise history.

As a secondary naming-rights deal, it would be unparalleled.

And therein lies the problem.  A $400 million secondary naming-rights deal?

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Sam Zell is a Bad, Bad Man

February 27, 2008 by cubsnet

And must be stopped before he does too much damage to the Chicago Cubs. See CBSSports.com's Scott Miller for more. We are going to regret the day he obtained control of the Tribune Co. if he does not sell the Cubs soon and very soon. Here's one thing we think we know: Sam Zell will sell the naming rights to Wrigley Field and ultimately Wrigley Field itself, separate from the team, if he thinks it's in the best interests of Sam Zell, whether or not it's in the best interests of the Chicago Cubs.

Sam Zell Ownership should be interesting.

April 2, 2007 by FearlessBear

If the rumors are correct and Sam Zell buys the Tribune Company, that is reason for cautious optimism about the future of the Cubs. The good news is Zell is a long time Chicagoan. The additional good news is he is very smart. The question is whether his likely affection for the City and the team will translate to him keeping control or selling off the organization to ease the debt burden on the Tribune. If he chooses to sell off, one hopes he will favor local ownership. Maybe he will get creative and offer shares to fans. In any event, it is better that he wins the contest for the Company than a non-Chicago person.