BREAKING NEWS: Chicago Cubs Officially Recognized as World’s Best and Most Unified Baseball Program by ESPN, Netflix, and Guinness World Records

Chicago, IL — In a groundbreaking and unprecedented moment in the world of sports, the Chicago Cubs have officially been recognized as the world’s best and most unified baseball program, an honor jointly conferred by ESPN, Netflix, and the Guinness World Records organization. The announcement was made this morning at a special event held at Wrigley Field, with players, coaches, executives, and thousands of fans in attendance.

The recognition, which merges competitive performance, organizational culture, fan loyalty, and media impact, marks a historic milestone not only for the Cubs but for Major League Baseball as a whole.

“This is not just about what the Cubs are doing on the field,” said ESPN President Burke Magnus. “This is about what they’ve built as a team, as a culture, and as a force that transcends sports.”

A Dynasty in the Making

The Cubs’ resurgence in recent years has turned heads across the globe. With a mix of elite veteran leadership and rising young stars, Chicago has redefined what it means to be a modern baseball powerhouse.

Led by manager Craig Counsell, who was brought in to usher in a new era of accountability and focus, the Cubs have consistently demonstrated a level of unity and chemistry rarely seen in professional sports. Their locker room culture — one built on mutual respect, humility, and relentless work ethic — has become a model for franchises across all leagues.

“The Chicago Cubs are more than a team. They are a movement,” said Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos. “Their story represents everything fans love about sports — the comeback, the brotherhood, the belief.”

Guinness Sets the Record Straight

The Guinness World Records recognition includes the Cubs being named:

• The Most Unified Professional Baseball Program (2025);

• The Best Global Baseball Franchise, based on multi-year performance, fan engagement, and media footprint;

• And the Most Streamed MLB Team on digital platforms, including Netflix’s new docuseries “Wrigley: Beyond the Ivy.”

Guinness officials explained that their decision was based on an exhaustive year-long evaluation of MLB franchises, taking into account not just win-loss records, but also internal cohesion, leadership stability, community outreach, and cross-platform cultural impact.

“The Cubs stood out in every category — from their front office to the clubhouse, to the fans in the stands,” said Guinness adjudicator Olivia Byrne. “This isn’t just a team — it’s a phenomenon.”

Netflix’s Role in Globalizing the Cubs

Netflix’s involvement added an unexpected layer to the Cubs’ recognition. The streaming giant’s hit documentary series “Wrigley: Beyond the Ivy” brought the team’s story to global audiences, capturing intimate moments, behind-the-scenes struggles, and the emotional heartbeat of the organization.

The series not only broke viewership records but also helped humanize the team’s journey — from the front office decisions to the family lives of the players.

“What made the Cubs so compelling was their authenticity,” said director Ava Martinez. “They win together, they lose together, and they live for each other. That’s what makes them the best.”

A Message from the Clubhouse

Cubs manager Craig Counsell, speaking from the celebratory stage set up near home plate, called the honor a reflection of “every person in this organization — from scouts to groundskeepers to players.”

Star players like Dansby Swanson, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki also expressed gratitude and pride.

“We don’t just wear the same uniform,” said Swanson. “We carry the same purpose. We fight for each other every day.”

Kyle Tucker, who joined the Cubs in a blockbuster move that shocked the baseball world, echoed those sentiments: “This is the most connected team I’ve ever been a part of. And we’re just getting started.”

A City Celebrates

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declared today “Cubs Unity Day” across the city, with celebrations planned downtown, fireworks set for the lakefront, and commemorative banners being hung from Wrigleyville to Millennium Park.

“This isn’t just about baseball. It’s about a team that represents the very best of who we are — resilient, united, and proud,” Mayor Johnson said.

What’s Next for the Cubs?

With a deep playoff run expected this fall, and a fanbase more energized than ever, the Cubs are not resting on their laurels. The front office continues to invest in player development, international scouting, and advanced analytics — all while preserving the team-first ethos that earned them the highest honors.

“We’re honored, yes,” said Cubs President Jed Hoyer. “But this is just the beginning. We’re building something that will last — not just for this season, but for generations.”

From the ivy walls of Wrigley to the screens of millions worldwide, the Chicago Cubs have officially become more than a baseball team — they are the gold standard.