The Chicago Cubs have contacted their season ticket holders with invoices to renew their plans for the 2025 season. Much to the holders’ chagrin, the ticket prices have increased substantially. Some fans have taken to the internet to express their displeasure.
The Cubs’ majority owner, Tom Ricketts, has previously commented on the franchise’s need to increase its revenue streams to spend more on the team. He says they come together at the end of the year and determine the amounts that need to be spent to “keep the lights on.” After that, Ricketts says everything goes to the baseball team.
Wrigley Field is now a year-round attraction that constantly hosts events. In the summer, concerts and shows take place at Wrigley. Tours of the stadium happen while the team is away as well. Last winter, they debuted their Wrigley Wonderland, allowing patrons to walk on the playing field with amusements, refreshments, and sitting areas around. These are just some of the events happening in the area. It also does not account for the other surrounding buildings owned by the Cubs.
The National Hockey League is returning to play the Winter Classic at Wrigley this winter. The Chicago Blackhawks will host the St. Louis Blues. In the days following, the Cubs will also host a series of college hockey games at Wrigley. Ricketts has confirmed this as part of the 2025 budget.
Oh, they also have their own television network owned by them.
Even with all these new revenue streams, the Cubs feel it is not enough to stop raising ticket prices for their loyal fans. Season ticket holders received information on Thursday showing how much is owed to continue their plans, but it was not well received.
Cubs season ticket holders are now seeing that they could have to pay more than 5% more to keep their plans for the 2025 season. Per Meghan Montemuro of the Chicago Tribune, the hike in pricing is linked to losing two home games due to the Cubs playing in Tokyo, Japan, to begin the 2025 campaign. That amounts to season ticket holders paying for a game they do not get to go to in person – unless, of course, they spend more money to do so.
All the added revenues and opportunities the Cubs have built and provided for themselves are not translating to savings for their fans. In fact, one of the most expensive gameday experiences in the league is getting even more costly. This is all happening as the Cubs are on the brink of missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season (if 202 counts for you).
The Chicago Cubs are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball. Their fanbase is strong and loyal. The Cubs continue to take advantage of Cubs fans who pay anything to stay with the team, hoping the franchise will give back in return. Another hike in ticket prices proves their intentions are strictly business and nothing more.
