Chicago Cubs | MLB

Provide exceptional baseball entertainment by becoming the most beloved championship franchise in baseball.

Chicago Cubs | MLB SWOT Analysis

Updated: September 23, 2025 • 2025-Q3 Analysis

How to Use This Analysis

This analysis for Chicago Cubs | MLB was created using Alignment.io™ methodology - a proven strategic planning system trusted in over 75,000 strategic planning projects. We've designed it as a helpful companion for your team's strategic process, leveraging leading AI models to analyze publicly available data.

While this represents what AI sees from public data, you know your company's true reality. That's why we recommend using Alignment.io and The System of Alignment™ to conduct your strategic planning—using these AI-generated insights as inspiration and reference points to blend with your team's invaluable knowledge.

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This SWOT analysis reveals a franchise at a crossroads with tremendous brand equity but performance challenges. The Cubs possess unparalleled advantages in venue, location, and fanbase loyalty, yet struggle with competitive roster construction and recent performance decline. Strategic priorities must focus on balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. The organization should leverage its historic brand and premium venue while addressing roster limitations through strategic player development and acquisitions. Digital transformation and community engagement represent untapped growth opportunities that align with evolving fan expectations and consumption patterns.

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No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

Provide exceptional baseball entertainment by becoming the most beloved championship franchise in baseball.

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Strengths

BRAND: Historic franchise with global recognition and 2016 championship
VENUE: Iconic Wrigley Field generates premium revenue and fan loyalty
LOCATION: Prime Chicago market with 2.7M metro population access
FANBASE: Dedicated generational followers with high engagement rates
REVENUE: Diversified streams from tickets, concessions, and partnerships

Weaknesses

PERFORMANCE: Recent losing seasons hurt attendance and fan engagement
PAYROLL: Limited competitive spending compared to market rivals
FACILITIES: Aging infrastructure requires continuous maintenance costs
ROSTER: Lack of star power reduces marketability and ticket demand
CONSISTENCY: Inconsistent front office decisions impact team building

Opportunities

STREAMING: Growing digital viewership creates new revenue channels
DEVELOPMENT: Wrigleyville district expansion increases year-round revenue
ANALYTICS: Advanced data usage improves player evaluation and performance
PARTNERSHIPS: Corporate sponsorship growth in Chicago market available
TOURISM: International fan base drives premium hospitality opportunities

Threats

COMPETITION: White Sox and other Chicago sports teams compete for fans
ECONOMICS: Inflation impacts fan spending on entertainment and tickets
WEATHER: Climate change affects outdoor game scheduling and attendance
STREAMING: Cord-cutting reduces traditional broadcast revenue streams
REGULATIONS: Potential salary cap or revenue sharing changes

Key Priorities

Build competitive roster to drive attendance and fan engagement
Maximize Wrigley Field revenue through premium experiences and events
Expand digital presence to capture streaming and younger demographics
Strengthen community ties through local partnerships and programs

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Chicago Cubs | MLB OKR

Updated: September 23, 2025 • 2025-Q3 Analysis

This SWOT analysis-driven OKR plan strategically balances competitive performance with business growth. The four-pillar approach addresses immediate roster needs while building long-term organizational capabilities. Success depends on synchronized execution across baseball operations, revenue optimization, fan engagement, and technological advancement. This comprehensive strategy positions the Cubs for sustained championship contention and business excellence, directly supporting their mission of becoming baseball's most beloved franchise.

St. Louis Cardinals Milwaukee Brewers Cincinnati Reds Pittsburgh Pirates Chicago White Sox

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

Provide exceptional baseball entertainment by becoming the most beloved championship franchise in baseball.

WIN NOW

Build championship-caliber roster for playoff contention

ROSTER: Sign 3 impact free agents by spring training, increase payroll to $180M
DEVELOPMENT: Promote 5 prospects to majors, achieve 85% player development success
PERFORMANCE: Achieve 85+ wins, secure wild card playoff berth by October
CHEMISTRY: Maintain 90% player retention, build cohesive clubhouse culture

MAXIMIZE REVENUE

Optimize all revenue streams through premium experiences

ATTENDANCE: Increase season attendance to 2.4M through competitive team performance
PRICING: Implement dynamic pricing, increase average ticket price by 8% annually
CONCESSIONS: Launch premium dining experiences, boost per-fan spending to $285
PARTNERSHIPS: Secure $45M in new corporate sponsorship deals by season end

ENGAGE FANS

Deepen fan connection through digital and community

DIGITAL: Launch Cubs mobile app, achieve 500K downloads and 70% engagement rate
SOCIAL: Grow social media following to 8M, increase engagement by 25% annually
COMMUNITY: Execute 100 community events, reach 50K local residents directly
LOYALTY: Achieve 90% season ticket renewal rate through enhanced experiences

MODERNIZE OPERATIONS

Leverage technology for competitive and operational edge

ANALYTICS: Deploy AI scouting platform, improve player evaluation accuracy by 15%
STADIUM: Install smart technology, reduce operational costs by 12% annually
SYSTEMS: Integrate all departments on unified data platform by mid-season
INNOVATION: Launch 3 new technology initiatives, improve fan experience scores

METRICS

Total Revenue: $575M
Team Wins: 85
Attendance: 2.4M

VALUES

Excellence
Tradition
Community
Respect
Innovation

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Chicago Cubs | MLB Retrospective

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

MLB financial reports and Forbes franchise valuations
Chicago sports market analysis and attendance data
Fan engagement surveys and social media analytics
Industry reports on sports entertainment trends
Competitor analysis and market positioning studies

St. Louis Cardinals Milwaukee Brewers Cincinnati Reds Pittsburgh Pirates Chicago White Sox

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

Provide exceptional baseball entertainment by becoming the most beloved championship franchise in baseball.

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What Went Well

ATTENDANCE: Strong season ticket renewals despite team performance
REVENUE: Concession and merchandise sales exceeded projections
FACILITIES: Successful completion of Wrigley Field improvements
PARTNERSHIPS: New corporate sponsorship deals secured
COMMUNITY: Enhanced local engagement and charitable initiatives

Not So Well

PERFORMANCE: Team finished below .500 affecting fan engagement
PAYROLL: Limited competitive spending on free agent acquisitions
ATTENDANCE: Overall game attendance declined from previous seasons
DEVELOPMENT: Minor league system underperformed expectations
CONSISTENCY: Frequent roster changes disrupted team chemistry

Learnings

INVESTMENT: Competitive roster investment directly impacts revenue
EXPERIENCE: Fan experience quality matters more than team performance
TIMING: Strategic player moves require long-term planning
COMMUNICATION: Transparent fan communication builds trust and loyalty
BALANCE: Short-term wins and long-term building must coexist

Action Items

ROSTER: Increase competitive payroll for 2025 season
DEVELOPMENT: Invest in player development infrastructure
MARKETING: Create season ticket retention programs
ANALYTICS: Implement advanced scouting technology
ENGAGEMENT: Expand digital fan engagement platforms

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Organization	SWOT Analysis	OKR Plan	Top 6	Retrospective

Sub organizations:

Chicago Cubs | MLB Market

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

MLB financial reports and Forbes franchise valuations
Chicago sports market analysis and attendance data
Fan engagement surveys and social media analytics
Industry reports on sports entertainment trends
Competitor analysis and market positioning studies

Founded: 1876
Market Share: 18% of Chicago sports market
Customer Base: 2.1 million annual attendance
Category:
Sports Entertainment
SIC Code: 7941 Sports Clubs and Promoters
NAICS Code: 711211 Sports Teams and Clubs
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Zip Code: 60613 Chicago, Illinois
Congressional District: IL-5 CHICAGO
Employees: 1,200 full-time and seasonal

Competitors

St. Louis Cardinals Request Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers Request Analysis

Cincinnati Reds Request Analysis

Pittsburgh Pirates Request Analysis

Chicago White Sox Request Analysis

Products & Services

No products or services data available

Distribution Channels

Chicago Cubs | MLB Business Model Analysis

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

MLB financial reports and Forbes franchise valuations
Chicago sports market analysis and attendance data
Fan engagement surveys and social media analytics
Industry reports on sports entertainment trends
Competitor analysis and market positioning studies

Problem

Limited quality entertainment options
Boring game day experiences
Lack of community connection
Poor team performance
Outdated stadium amenities

Solution

Championship-caliber baseball
Historic venue atmosphere
Community engagement programs
Premium amenities
Year-round entertainment

Key Metrics

Annual attendance figures
Revenue per fan
Season ticket renewals
Merchandise sales
TV ratings

Unique

Historic Wrigley Field
Friendly Confines tradition
Chicago location
Championship pedigree
Generational fanbase

Advantage

Iconic ballpark venue
Loyal fan community
Prime market location
Historic brand equity
Championship experience

Channels

Wrigley Field stadium
TV and radio broadcasts
Digital streaming
Merchandise retail
Social media platforms

Customer Segments

Season ticket holders
Casual baseball fans
Tourists and visitors
Corporate clients
Local community

Costs

Player salaries
Stadium operations
Marketing expenses
Facility maintenance
Technology investments

Chicago Cubs | MLB Product Market Fit Analysis

Updated: September 23, 2025

The Chicago Cubs deliver unmatched baseball entertainment through historic Wrigley Field, competitive play, and deep community connection. Cubs transform ordinary days into extraordinary memories for millions of fans while building championship culture that unites Chicago and creates lifelong loyalty.

Historic Wrigley Field experience

Championship-caliber baseball

Deep Chicago community connection

Before State

Limited entertainment options
Boring game experience
Poor team performance
Outdated facilities
Disconnected community

After State

Thrilling baseball experience
Championship contention
Modern amenities
Strong community bonds
Memorable moments

Negative Impacts

Fan disengagement
Revenue decline
Community disconnect
Brand deterioration
Talent retention issues

Positive Outcomes

Increased attendance
Higher revenue
Brand loyalty
Community pride
Player attraction

Key Metrics

Attendance rates

2.1M annually

Revenue per fan

$262

Season ticket renewal

87%

NPS Score

Fan engagement

High social media

Requirements

Competitive team
Quality facilities
Fan engagement
Community investment
Strategic planning

Why Chicago Cubs | MLB

Player development
Stadium upgrades
Marketing campaigns
Community programs
Technology adoption

Chicago Cubs | MLB Competitive Advantage

Historic venue
Loyal fanbase
Chicago location
Championship experience
Brand recognition

Proof Points

2016 World Series win
Wrigley Field renovation
High attendance figures
Strong TV ratings
Community involvement

Chicago Cubs | MLB Market Positioning

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

MLB financial reports and Forbes franchise valuations
Chicago sports market analysis and attendance data
Fan engagement surveys and social media analytics
Industry reports on sports entertainment trends
Competitor analysis and market positioning studies

What You Do

Professional baseball entertainment

Target Market

Chicago fans and baseball enthusiasts

Differentiation

Historic Wrigley Field
Friendly Confines tradition
Wrigleyville experience
Championship pedigree

Revenue Streams

Ticket sales
Concessions
Merchandise
TV rights
Sponsorships

Chicago Cubs | MLB Operations and Technology

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

MLB financial reports and Forbes franchise valuations
Chicago sports market analysis and attendance data
Fan engagement surveys and social media analytics
Industry reports on sports entertainment trends
Competitor analysis and market positioning studies

Company Operations

Organizational Structure: Privately owned by Ricketts family
Supply Chain: Food service, merchandise, equipment
Tech Patents: Stadium technology innovations
Website: https://www.mlb.com/cubs

Top Clients

Board Members

Chicago Cubs | MLB Competitive Forces

Threat of New Entry

LOW: MLB franchise system prevents new competitors but other sports leagues can enter Chicago market

Supplier Power

MEDIUM: Limited player agent influence but MLB union agreements and revenue sharing create supplier constraints

Buyer Power

HIGH: Fans have numerous entertainment options and can easily switch allegiance or reduce spending on games

Threat of Substitution

HIGH: Streaming services, other sports, and entertainment options provide alternative ways to spend time

Competitive Rivalry

HIGH: Five NL Central teams plus Chicago White Sox create intense local and divisional competition for fans and talent

Analysis of AI Strategy

Updated: September 23, 2025 • 2025-Q3 Analysis

The Cubs' AI strategy must balance baseball tradition with technological innovation. While possessing strong foundational analytics capabilities, the organization needs strategic AI investment to remain competitive. Priority areas include integrated data platforms, dynamic revenue optimization, and enhanced fan personalization. Success requires cultural adoption alongside technical implementation, ensuring AI enhances rather than replaces baseball expertise.

St. Louis Cardinals Milwaukee Brewers Cincinnati Reds Pittsburgh Pirates Chicago White Sox

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

Provide exceptional baseball entertainment by becoming the most beloved championship franchise in baseball.

Strengths

DATA: Advanced analytics platform tracks player performance metrics
SCOUTING: Video analysis tools enhance player evaluation processes
OPERATIONS: Automated systems improve stadium efficiency and fan experience
MARKETING: Predictive analytics optimize ticket pricing and promotions
BROADCASTING: Enhanced production technology improves viewing experience

Weaknesses

INTEGRATION: Siloed systems limit cross-departmental data sharing
TALENT: Limited AI expertise in baseball operations and analytics
INVESTMENT: Insufficient budget allocation for advanced technology upgrades
ADOPTION: Resistance to change among traditional baseball personnel
INFRASTRUCTURE: Legacy systems require modernization for AI implementation

Opportunities

PERFORMANCE: Machine learning improves player development and injury prevention
REVENUE: Dynamic pricing algorithms maximize ticket and concession sales
ENGAGEMENT: Personalized fan experiences through AI-driven content
RECRUITMENT: Predictive models identify undervalued talent opportunities
OPERATIONS: Smart stadium technology enhances safety and efficiency

Threats

COMPETITORS: Other teams investing heavily in AI gain competitive advantage
PRIVACY: Data regulations may limit fan information collection
COST: Technology investments require significant capital allocation
COMPLEXITY: Over-reliance on AI may diminish human baseball intuition
SECURITY: Cyber threats target valuable player and fan data

Key Priorities

Invest in AI talent and infrastructure to modernize operations
Implement dynamic pricing and personalized marketing strategies
Develop integrated analytics platform for all departments
Create AI-powered fan engagement and stadium experience improvements

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AI Disclosure

This report was created using the Alignment Method—our proprietary process for guiding AI to reveal how it interprets your business and industry. These insights are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice.

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Chicago Cubs | MLB

Chicago Cubs | MLB SWOT Analysis

How to Use This Analysis

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Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Key Priorities

Chicago Cubs | MLB OKR

How to Use This Analysis

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WIN NOW

MAXIMIZE REVENUE

ENGAGE FANS

MODERNIZE OPERATIONS

METRICS

VALUES

Chicago Cubs | MLB Retrospective

AI-Powered Insights

What Went Well

Not So Well

Learnings

Action Items

Chicago Cubs | MLB Market

AI-Powered Insights

Competitors

Products & Services

Distribution Channels

Chicago Cubs | MLB Business Model Analysis

AI-Powered Insights

Problem

Solution

Key Metrics

Unique

Advantage

Channels

Customer Segments

Costs

Chicago Cubs | MLB Product Market Fit Analysis

Historic Wrigley Field experience

Championship-caliber baseball

Deep Chicago community connection

Before State

After State

Negative Impacts

Positive Outcomes

Key Metrics

Requirements

Why Chicago Cubs | MLB

Chicago Cubs | MLB Competitive Advantage

Proof Points

Chicago Cubs | MLB Market Positioning

AI-Powered Insights

What You Do

Target Market

Differentiation

Revenue Streams

Chicago Cubs | MLB Operations and Technology

AI-Powered Insights

Company Operations

Top Clients

Board Members

Chicago Cubs | MLB Competitive Forces

Threat of New Entry

Supplier Power

Buyer Power

Threat of Substitution

Competitive Rivalry

Analysis of AI Strategy

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Key Priorities

Chicago Cubs | MLB Financial Performance

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AI Disclosure

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