Cubs win court order stopping Wrigley Field rooftop operator's ticket sales

The Chicago Cubs won a federal court order against an operator who had sold rooftop access to view games at Wrigley Field for about 30 years, Korean outlets reported, citing ESPN. The court ordered ticket sales to stop on September 30. Asia Economy, citing ESPN and Law360, described the order as a permanent injunction and said the court accepted some of the team's claims. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]

The business had operated with the Cubs' permission under a 2004 contract, paying the team about 17% of revenue through 2023. Yonhap reported that the owner offered 20% to renew but said the Cubs sought 30% of regular-season revenue and 40% of postseason revenue. The Cubs sued in 2024, arguing that commercial use of their games required permission. The team also installed translucent barriers and large advertising panels that partially blocked the rooftop's view. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]

The owner bought a building across from the outfield in the 1990s for $400,000 and replaced it with a four-storey building with rooftop seating. Yonhap, Newsis and Maeil Business reported capacity of about 200 people and annual revenue of roughly $1 million. They gave admission prices of $100–300 with food and alcohol included. Asia Economy instead cited court documents giving prices of about $125–150 per person, varying by game and opponent. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]

The owner is considering an appeal and has kept open the possibility of selling the property. Asked about selling to the Cubs, he said he would consider a fair offer and that he had invested more than $2 million in renovation in 2010, Yonhap reported. The Cubs have acquired 11 surrounding buildings and rooftop businesses and reached new revenue-sharing agreements with some other operators. The reports described him as the last operator resisting the proposed new terms. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]