BRIDGEVIEW, IL—The Chicago Fire have just announced that Andrew Hauptman has sold his controlling interest in the club to Morningstar CEO Joe Mansueto with immediate effect just as the team prepares to move back to Soldier Field next season. Mansueto will also become the club chairman.
“What the Fire has achieved has been transformational for the Club and the city of Chicago. We’ve significantly increased soccer’s presence and built an ecosystem that rivals any club across North America,” said Hauptman. “I’m extremely proud of the positioning of the Club at this historic juncture. I know that the next step of returning to Soldier Field will make Chicago proud and I look forward to cheering on Joe, the Club and its supporters as they continue this legacy.”
Hauptman concludes his 12-year stint as owner. Under his leadership, the Club built the CIBC Fire Pitch, a north side community center which serves 300,000 visitors annually and introduced Chicago Fire Rec Soccer programming for adults, which now has 20,000 participants. Additionally, the Club formed the Chicago Fire Academy, a full scholarship program for Chicago’s elite youth players and expanded the Chicago Fire Juniors program, with 11 Clubs across six states, and 16,000 players participating year-round. For its commitment and ambitious stewardship, the Club has repeatedly been recognized for its community work, having most recently won the 2019 ESPN Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year award.
However, on the pitch, the Fire’s results have dipped dramatically since 2009. There have been just two playoff appearances this decade and no playoff wins. Plus, there has been a revolving door of executives and players during this decade.
There have also been clashes with its most loyal supporters from “The Editorial” in 2013 through to the Section 101 controversy in 2018. The move to online only on ESPN+ has not helped matters either.
Mansueto has inherited a club that is on a quest to be relevant again by moving back to their first home in Soldier Field after not being able to draw in Bridgeview and SeatGeek Stadium. It will frankly need to make several big splashes to get the club back on the right track again.
“I joined Andrew as a partner because he developed a tremendous platform for continued soccer growth across Chicago and beyond. He and the entire organization have worked tirelessly to dramatically increase the profile of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, MLS and the game overall and have left a wonderful legacy for our city,” said Mansueto. “The timing of this transaction couldn’t be better as we return the world’s game to the city I love. Andrew and his family will always be part of the Fire family that he cares so very much about.”
The Fire are under local ownership for the first time in their history. It is hoped that Mansueto and his deep pockets and connections will right the ship and have the Fire be relevant once again in the city.
Chicago Fire
MLS
