CUBS LEGEND RETIRES, ACCEPTS AMBASSADOR ROLE—NOT CO-OWNERSHIP
CHICAGO, IL—Shocking rumors circulated online this week suggesting that Chicago Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo was in negotiations for a $700 million deal to become a co-owner of the team. However, major league sources and official statements from the Cubs organization categorically deny these claims.
The truth is far more grounded in sentiment and legacy than financial shockwaves: Anthony Rizzo, the heart of the 2016 World Series team, recently retired as a Chicago Cub and has formally accepted a role as a Team Ambassador for the organization.
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE HEADLINE
- Ambassador, Not Owner: Rizzo, who played his final MLB season in 2024 with the New York Yankees, returned to Wrigley Field in September 2025 to officially retire with the Cubs. He has since joined an elite group of Cubs ambassadors, including Hall of Famers like Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins, and fan favorites like Kerry Wood and Ben Zobrist. His new role focuses on community outreach, fan engagement, and mentorship—not boardroom decisions.
- The Price Tag: The rumored $700 million valuation for a minority stake is an extraordinary figure that has no basis in fact. There have been no credible reports from financial or sports news outlets to support any attempt by Rizzo to purchase an ownership stake of that magnitude.
- A “Victory for the Cubs’ Soul”: While the ownership rumors are false, the genuine emotion expressed by fans—calling it a “victory for the Cubs’ soul”—reflects the overwhelming excitement about Rizzo’s official return. His new ambassador role ensures he remains deeply ingrained in the franchise’s identity for years to come.
Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts affirmed the team’s excitement over Rizzo’s continued presence in a statement: “Anthony Rizzo was the face of one of the most successful eras in Chicago Cubs history, and we are so excited he will be a part of our organization for many years to come.”
The beloved first baseman will continue his significant philanthropic work through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, further cementing his status as a humanitarian icon in Chicago.
