How a starch company works team became an $8.9 billion NFL powerhouse
In short: Founded in 1919 as a works team for a starch manufacturer, the Chicago Bears evolved into a cornerstone of professional football. From their early days as the Decatur Staleys to their modern valuation of nearly nine billion dollars, the franchise has defined the sport's history through legendary rivalries and innovations.
The Chicago Bears originated in Decatur, Illinois, in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys, a football team formed by the A. E. Staley starch company. By 1920, the club became a charter member of the American Professional Football Association, the forerunner to the NFL. George Halas, who took control of the team in 1920, moved the franchise to Chicago in 1921 and renamed it the Bears in 1922. Halas remained a central figure for decades, serving as coach for forty seasons and maintaining ownership until his death in 1983.
Throughout the 1940s, the team earned the moniker 'Monsters of the Midway' under quarterback Sid Luckman, who led them to four NFL Championship victories. The franchise's success continued into the 1980s, highlighted by their dominant 1985 season and victory in Super Bowl XX. This era was defined by the '46 defense' and the leadership of head coach Mike Ditka. Despite these triumphs, the team has faced significant challenges in the modern era, enduring long stretches without playoff success and navigating frequent changes in coaching and quarterback leadership.
The team's ownership transitioned to Virginia McCaskey, daughter of George Halas, following his death in 1983. Under her stewardship, the franchise has remained a prominent, albeit sometimes struggling, entity in the NFL. In September 2025, a minority stake sale valued the organization at $8.9 billion. Today, the Bears continue to operate from Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois, maintaining their legacy as one of the only two remaining franchises from the league's 1920 founding, alongside the Arizona Cardinals.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Chicago Bears
- Also: Wikidata — Chicago Bears · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — history of the Chicago Bears · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-chicago-bears.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Countries and other regions · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
