Chicago Bulls announce new minority investment in ownership

The Reinsdorf and Wirtz families will continue to hold the controlling interest in the United Center and The 1901 Project.

“We are pleased to welcome Lukas and Samantha, who share our deep-seated belief in Chicago and our commitment to the institutions that make this city strong,” said Michael Reinsdorf, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Bulls. “Together with our partners at the United Center, the Wirtz family, we are fully aligned in our vision for the Bulls, the United Center campus, and the future of the West Side.”

Lukas and Samantha Walton also expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership and the investment in Chicago’s West Side. “The Chicago Bulls are as iconic as the city itself, and this transaction reflects our dedication to the city’s future.

We have long admired the vision the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families have set forth for The 1901 Project, and we look forward to the United Center’s continued positive impact on Chicago’s West Side.”

“Our families have had the great pleasure of partnering in the development of the United Center over the last 30 years and we look forward to a bright future ahead,” said Danny Wirtz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Blackhawks and Wirtz Corporation.

BDT & MSD Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to the Reinsdorf family, the Wirtz family, and certain selling minority limited partners. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP served as legal advisor to the Chicago Bulls. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as legal advisor to the Reinsdorf family. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to the Wirtz family. Inner Circle Sports and Covington & Burling LLP served as financial and legal advisors to the Walton family, respectively.