Virginia Halas McCaskey Net Worth: How Much Money Does She Make?

Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longtime owner of the Chicago Bears, has passed away at the age of 102. Her life was deeply intertwined with the history of the NFL, as the daughter of George Halas, the founder of the Bears and one of the league’s original architects. With her passing, an era in professional football has truly come to an end, leaving fans wondering what the future holds for one of the league’s most storied franchises.

The Legacy of a Football Family

Born on January 5, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, Virginia Halas was raised in a household where football was more than just a sport—it was a way of life. Her father, George Halas, founded the Bears in 1920 and played a pivotal role in shaping the early days of the NFL. Originally, he had planned for his son, George Jr., to take over the team. However, after George Jr.’s unexpected passing in 1979, Virginia inherited the franchise following her father’s death in 1983.

Throughout her tenure as owner, Virginia remained a dedicated and passionate steward of the team. She was never one for the spotlight, often deferring to family members and executives to handle the day-to-day operations, but there was no doubt that her heart and soul were deeply invested in the Bears. Her commitment to the organization spanned more than four decades, making her the longest-tenured owner in the NFL by 2019. At the time of her passing, she also held the distinction of being the oldest owner across all major U.S. sports leagues.

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A Franchise That Grew in Value and Tradition

When Virginia took over the Bears in 1983, the NFL was already growing rapidly, but few could have predicted the financial boom that lay ahead. Today, the franchise is worth an estimated $6.3 billion (as of 2025), a testament to both the league’s success and the enduring popularity of the Bears.

While Virginia’s personal net worth was estimated around $2 billion, her true wealth was in the legacy she helped preserve. She wasn’t the type of owner focused on maximizing profit at the expense of tradition. She believed in the importance of keeping the Bears a family-run team, even as some fans and analysts criticized the McCaskeys for their reluctance to bring in outside leadership.

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Triumphs and Challenges: The McCaskey Era

Under Virginia’s ownership, the Bears enjoyed early success, winning Super Bowl XX in 1985 behind one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. The team also claimed five consecutive NFC Central titles from 1984 to 1988, cementing itself as a powerhouse during that era.

However, the 1990s and early 2000s were far less kind to the franchise. Coaching changes, inconsistent quarterback play, and struggles in the front office left fans frustrated. Virginia, though deeply invested in the team, largely took a hands-off approach when it came to football operations, entrusting leadership roles to family members and executives. Her son, Michael McCaskey, served as team president from 1983 to 1999, before Ted Phillips took over in 2000—the first non-family member to hold that position.

The McCaskey family’s leadership frequently came under scrutiny from Bears fans, particularly as other franchises evolved and modernized their approach to ownership and team management. While some saw Virginia’s commitment to keeping things in the family as a sign of loyalty and tradition, others felt it held the franchise back from achieving sustained success in the modern era.

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A Trailblazer for Women in the NFL

Beyond her role as owner of the Bears, Virginia McCaskey was a trailblazer in the NFL. At a time when female owners were rare, she stood as a quiet but powerful force, helping to pave the way for women like Sheila Ford Hamp (Detroit Lions), Amy Adams Strunk (Tennessee Titans), and Gayle Benson (New Orleans Saints).

Virginia never sought to be a symbol of progress, but her longevity and influence spoke volumes. She was a reminder that football ownership wasn’t just a boys’ club—women could and did play a vital role in shaping the league’s future.