Here’s a bold statement: The Chicago Cubs’ financial strategy is at a crossroads, and fans like you and me are left scratching our heads. But here's where it gets controversial... While diving into the 2025 season’s attendance and revenue numbers, I stumbled upon a fascinating paradox that raises more questions than answers. Let me explain.
Imagine this: In the span of just five weeks, the Cubs played one game in front of a roaring crowd of 53,933 at Dodger Stadium, only to follow it up with a near-empty stadium hosting a mere 7,482 fans at loanDepot Park. And this is the part most people miss... These extremes aren’t just outliers—they’re a microcosm of the Cubs’ broader attendance trends, which, when paired with playoff revenues, paint a picture that’s both intriguing and frustrating.
Let’s break it down. When you look at the Cubs’ 2025 regular-season attendance at Wrigley Field, it lands squarely in the middle of the pack over the last 25 years. Not stellar, but not disastrous either. However, the real story unfolds when you factor in the playoffs. With five home playoff games—second only to 2003 and 2016—the Cubs raked in significant additional revenue, thanks to pricier tickets and concessions. Here’s the kicker: Those games, combined with the regular season, should’ve set the stage for a robust 2026 payroll. But will they deliver?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the two “home” games played in Tokyo. While these games might seem like a financial gamble, MLB’s compensation structure ensures teams aren’t left in the red. In fact, the Cubs likely came out ahead, thanks to lost revenue reimbursement and a participation fee. But here’s the controversial part: Why isn’t this windfall translating into a stronger on-field product?
Cubs fans are doing their part, showing up in droves and spending top dollar to support the team. Yet, the organization’s payroll decisions seem out of step with the revenue they’re generating. The Ricketts family, who bought the team for a fraction of its current $4.5 billion valuation, often cite unique expenses as justification for tighter budgets. But what about the unique revenues? Wrigley Field isn’t just any ballpark—it’s a cash cow. So, why aren’t we seeing that reflected in player investments?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: If the Cubs closed 2025 with record-breaking revenues, why isn’t that money being funneled back into the team? Are they excluding certain revenue streams from their financial projections? Or is the issue something more systemic? Perhaps raising ticket prices and concessions isn’t enough—maybe it’s time to reinvest in the product on the field to drive even greater fan engagement and revenue.
As we head into the offseason, I can’t help but hope the Cubs prove me wrong. Nothing would make me happier than seeing them splash the cash on free agents and build a championship-caliber roster. So, Cubs front office, the ball’s in your court. Make it happen—and make us believers again. What do you think? Am I off base, or is it time for the Cubs to step up their game? Let’s hear it in the comments!
