Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longtime owner of the Chicago Bears, passed away today, leaving behind a legacy deeply tied to the history of the NFL.
The franchise itself has grown significantly in value over the years, with a 2025 appraisal placing the team’s worth at $6.3 billion.
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The Bears’ legacy of ownership
Born on January 5, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, McCaskey was the daughter of George Halas, the legendary founder of the Bears.
Halas, who acquired the team in 1920, had originally intended for his son, George Jr., to take over ownership.
However, after George Jr.’s unexpected passing in 1979, Virginia inherited the franchise when Halas himself died in 1983.
At the time of her death, Virginia McCaskey’snet worth was estimated between $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion, largely stemming from her ownership of the Bears.
Virginia McCaskey, a trailblazer in the NFL
Under her ownership, the Bears achieved notable success early on, including a Super Bowl victory in 1985 and five consecutive NFC Central titles from 1984 to 1988.
While the team struggled through much of the 1990s, McCaskey remained a central figure in the organization, though she took a more hands-off approach.
Leadership shifted within the family, with her son Michael McCaskey serving as team president from 1983 to 1999, followed by Ted Phillips in 2000-the first non-family member to hold the position.
McCaskey’s role in the league extended far beyond ownership.
In 2019, she became the NFL’s longest-tenured owner and, at the time of her passing, was the oldest owner across all major U.S. sports leagues.
Her influence helped pave the way for other female owners in the league, including Sheila Ford Hamp, Amy Adams Strunk, and Gayle Benson.
Despite her contributions, the McCaskey family often faced scrutiny from Bears fans, particularly for their commitment to keeping operations within the family.
However, McCaskey’s faith, loyalty, and passion for football remained guiding principles throughout her life.
With her passing, speculation has arisen regarding the future of the franchise.
