Sidley Represents Laura Ricketts-Led Group in Acquisition of the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars

Sidley represented a diverse group led by Laura Ricketts and other prominent Chicago women business and civic leaders in its acquisition of the Chicago Red Stars NWSL franchise, which is valued at US$60 million. The new ownership group led by Ricketts, which is one of the most diverse ownership groups in professional sports, promises a culture of excellence and accountability and plans to focus on improving player facilities and the fan experience.

Ricketts, one of the first women and LGBTQ+ owners of a major U.S. professional sports franchise, is a minority owner of the Chicago Sky and co-owner of the Chicago Cubs. Ricketts is also co-founder and director of Beyond Barriers, the world’s only career fitness platform that empowers professional women with strategies to become future-ready leaders.

The Sidley team was led by Entertainment, Sports and Media (ESM) partner Eric Geffner and managing associate Luisa Lizoain, both in Century City. The ESM/corporate team also included New York partner and ESM co-chair Chuck Baker, Miami senior managing associate Axel Miranda, and Miami associate Alyssa Levy. Other team members included Palo Alto partner Nicholas Frey (Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation), Chicago partner Lauren Gallagher (Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation), Palo Alto partner Rachel Kleinberg (Tax), Chicago partner Teresa Reuter (Labor, Employment and Immigration), Washington D.C. senior managing associate Malaz Moustafa (Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation), and Los Angeles senior managing associate Jonathan Westreich (Tax).