Breaking News: It has been officially confirmed that former Chicago Bears great Mike Singletary and billionaire Marc Lasry will purchase roughly 10% of the NFL team from the present owners.

In a monumental development that is sending ripples across the NFL and the Chicago sports community, former Chicago Bears legend Mike Singletary and billionaire businessman Marc Lasry have officially confirmed their intent to purchase approximately 10% of the Chicago Bears franchise. The transaction, which has been in the works quietly for several months, was formally announced today by representatives of both Singletary and Lasry, along with a statement from the Bears organization acknowledging the change in minority ownership.

This rare convergence of sports legacy and high-stakes finance signals more than just a routine business transaction—it marks a symbolic and strategic move for one of the NFL’s most storied franchises as it attempts to modernize, reconnect with its roots, and prepare for a new era of competitiveness both on and off the field.

Mike Singletary’s return to the Bears organization—this time as part-owner—is particularly poignant. Widely considered one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, Singletary played his entire 12-season career with the Bears from 1981 to 1992. He was the defensive anchor of the iconic 1985 Super Bowl-winning team and earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and two NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998, Singletary remains synonymous with the franchise’s fierce defensive identity.

In a statement released following the announcement, Singletary expressed a deep emotional connection to the Bears and the city of Chicago:

“This team has always been a part of me. I played with pride, with heart, and with a belief that the Bears were something bigger than football. To now join the ownership group is humbling and exciting. I want to help build a team and an organization that this city can continue to be proud of—on the field and in the community.”

Sources close to Singletary say he had been exploring opportunities to return to the NFL in a leadership capacity for years, but wanted the right fit—something meaningful, authentic, and legacy-defining. Becoming a part-owner of the team that defined his career is the ultimate realization of that vision.

Marc Lasry, co-founder of Avenue Capital Group and former co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, is no stranger to sports ownership. Under his stewardship, the Bucks won the 2021 NBA Championship and successfully constructed the Fiserv Forum, one of the NBA’s most modern arenas. Lasry sold his stake in the Bucks for a reported $3.5 billion valuation in early 2023 and has since expressed an interest in expanding his footprint within professional sports.

The move to invest in the Bears—an NFL franchise valued at over $6 billion according to Forbes—represents Lasry’s reentry into team ownership, but in a league with even broader media reach and financial clout. His decision to join forces with Singletary is equally strategic and symbolic.

“Mike is a legend. He brings passion, integrity, and unmatched football knowledge. I bring business experience and a track record of creating successful partnerships in sports. Together, we want to be part of a new chapter for the Bears—one rooted in both history and innovation,” Lasry said.

Sources indicate that Lasry’s influence could extend beyond ownership into the team’s broader real estate and stadium development ambitions, particularly the long-rumored relocation project involving the Arlington Heights property.

The current majority owners of the Chicago Bears—the McCaskey family—have long resisted selling majority control of the franchise, preferring to keep it under family governance. However, they have shown increasing openness to minority investors who can bring additional capital, modernization strategies, and enhanced community outreach.

In a joint statement, Bears chairman George McCaskey said:

“We welcome Mike and Marc to the Chicago Bears family. Mike’s legacy with our franchise speaks for itself, and Marc brings with him a world-class track record of success in both business and professional sports. We are excited about the perspectives and contributions they will bring to our leadership group.”

While Singletary and Lasry’s combined 10% stake does not give them direct control over football operations, insiders suggest their influence could grow, especially as key stadium, branding, and community engagement decisions loom.

One league source called the acquisition a “smart and strategic infusion of credibility and capital.”

Among Bears fans, the news has been met with an outpouring of support and emotion, particularly for Singletary’s involvement. Social media was ablaze with reactions ranging from tears of joy to cautious optimism about whether this could signal a deeper change within the historically conservative organization.

“I’ve never been more excited about Bears ownership,” said longtime season-ticket holder Carla Dominguez. “Mike Singletary isn’t just a Bear—he’s the Bear. If he’s coming back, maybe real change is coming too.”

Others have praised the blend of sports legacy and savvy investment.

“Lasry has proven he knows how to win in pro sports,” said Chicago-based sports columnist Adam Rivera. “And Singletary brings credibility, accountability, and that old-school fire this team has lacked for years. It’s a compelling duo.”

Perhaps the most immediate implication of this ownership change centers on the Bears’ long-term stadium plans. The team has purchased land in Arlington Heights, leading to speculation about moving from Soldier Field, its historic but outdated lakefront home. Lasry’s prior experience managing complex sports real estate projects will likely be instrumental as the Bears finalize designs and navigate zoning, construction, and financing options.

Singletary, meanwhile, is expected to have a significant role in shaping the team’s community outreach, mentoring young players, and participating in fan-facing initiatives. There is already talk of him hosting leadership seminars and collaborating with local schools and youth programs.

But the questions fans are most eager to have answered center on the football product itself. Will this new ownership energy translate into more aggressive roster building? Will it help create a stronger football culture inside Halas Hall?

Sources say that while Singletary won’t have a formal football operations title, his voice will carry weight, especially as a trusted figure among former players and fans. One former teammate noted, “Mike’s not the kind of guy to sit on the sidelines. If he’s in, he’s all in.”

The Singletary-Lasry partnership also sends a broader message across the NFL. In an era where player empowerment and minority ownership are increasingly emphasized, the Bears have taken a meaningful step toward greater diversity in their ownership group.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement praising the move:

“Mike Singletary represents the very best of what the NFL stands for—excellence, leadership, and resilience. His return to the league in this capacity is welcome news. Marc Lasry is a proven leader in sports and finance. Together, they bring a unique and powerful perspective to the Chicago Bears organization.”

For Mike Singletary, this move represents more than just an investment. It’s a full-circle moment—a return to the team where he bled, battled, and inspired generations of football fans. For Marc Lasry, it’s a new frontier, with the promise of high returns and the prestige that comes with NFL ownership.