McCaskey Family Trust
Family trust structure that owns and operates the Chicago Bears NFL franchise, maintaining over a century of continuous family ownership.
Company Type
public
Founded
1920
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois, USA
About McCaskey Family Trust
The McCaskey Family Trust operates as the ownership entity for the Chicago Bears NFL franchise. The trust's business involves managing all aspects of team operations, including football operations, business administration, and strategic planning.
The trust generates revenue through various NFL revenue streams including television contracts, ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise, and other game-day revenue. As NFL franchise owners, the family trust participates in league revenue sharing and benefits from the overall growth of the NFL's media rights and commercial success.
The trust employs approximately 200 people through the Chicago Bears organization, including football operations staff, business administration, and game-day personnel. The family maintains active involvement in major decisions while delegating day-to-day operations to professional management.
History of McCaskey Family Trust
The McCaskey Family Trust traces its origins to 1920 when George Halas founded the Chicago Bears franchise (originally the Decatur Staleys). Halas maintained ownership of the team throughout his life, establishing it as one of the NFL's most successful and valuable franchises.
Following George Halas's death in 1983, ownership of the Bears passed to his daughter Virginia Halas McCaskey and her siblings through a family trust structure. Virginia became the principal owner and the first woman to serve as the primary owner of an NFL franchise.
Under Virginia McCaskey's leadership from 1983 to 2025, the family trust navigated the dramatic transformation of the NFL from a traditional sports league to a multi-billion dollar entertainment enterprise. The trust maintained family ownership while adapting to modern business requirements, stadium developments, and the massive appreciation of franchise values.
The trust structure was designed to ensure continued family control while providing mechanisms for succession planning and estate management. Following Virginia's death in 2025, ownership passed to the next generation, with the family reaffirming their commitment to long-term stewardship of the franchise.
Brands Owned by McCaskey Family Trust
McCaskey Family Trust owns 1 brand in our database.
McCaskey Family Trust Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Over a century of continuous family ownership and tradition
- +Deep emotional connection to the franchise and city of Chicago
- +Long-term perspective beyond quarterly financial pressures
- +Strong brand identity built on family stewardship
- +Stability and continuity valued by fans and the NFL
Considerations
- -Complex succession planning across multiple generations
- -Estate tax implications for valuable franchise assets
- -Limited capital resources compared to billionaire owners
- -Balancing family tradition with modern business requirements
- -Pressure to remain competitive in high-cost NFL environment
Frequently Asked Questions About McCaskey Family Trust
Is the McCaskey Family Trust owned by another company?
No, the McCaskey Family Trust is an independent family ownership structure. The trust is owned by the McCaskey family, descendants of Bears founder George Halas, with no external corporate ownership.
Is the McCaskey Family Trust publicly traded?
No, the family trust is not publicly traded. It operates as a private family ownership structure that has controlled the Chicago Bears franchise for over a century.
When was the McCaskey Family Trust established?
The family ownership structure originated with George Halas's founding of the team in 1920. The formal trust structure was established following Halas's death in 1983 to facilitate family ownership succession.
Who created the McCaskey Family Trust?
The family ownership structure was created by George Halas, who founded the Chicago Bears franchise. The formal trust structure was organized following his death to ensure continued family control across generations.
What is the McCaskey Family Trust's market position?
The trust holds a unique position in professional sports as one of the longest continuous family ownerships, controlling the historic Chicago Bears franchise. The family is respected for their stewardship while facing modern challenges of NFL franchise management.
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