Bears franchise valued at $8.8 billion: report

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 22: Chairman George McCaskey of the Chicago Bears looks on during a introductory press conference for new head coach Ben Johnson at PNC Center at Halas Hall on January 22, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776272558The Bears franchise was valued at $8.8 billion when their owners agreed to buy back a percentage of the team, according to a report Thursday.

The McCaskey and Ryan families will share in the 2% equity they agreed to by back from the estate of Andrew McKenna, Sportico reported. The deal is pending league approval.

The McCaskeys own about 77.5% of the Bears, per Sportico, with the Ryans owning the rest. Pat…