REPORT: Elon Musk Wants to Rename Wrigley Field to Tesla Field and Redesign Cubs Jerseys – Tom Ricketts Says No, For This Reason…!
In a bold and bizarre twist that has stunned both baseball fans and the tech world, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has reportedly approached the Chicago Cubs ownership with an eye-popping proposal: rename the iconic Wrigley Field to “Tesla Field,” rebrand the team’s classic uniforms with a sleek, futuristic redesign, and in return, Musk promises a long-term, multi-billion-dollar sponsorship of the franchise.
While some in the Cubs’ front office were said to be “intrigued” by the financial numbers, team chairman Tom Ricketts quickly shut down the idea — and his reason is resonating deeply with fans across the country.
The Proposal That Rocked the Ivy
Sources close to the negotiation say the Tesla CEO made a formal pitch to the Cubs organization earlier this spring, offering an unprecedented deal: a 20-year sponsorship valued at over $1.2 billion, including stadium upgrades, renewable energy conversions for Wrigleyville, and Tesla branding woven throughout the Cubs’ franchise — from signage and broadcasting to, yes, the team uniforms.
But the biggest condition? The name “Wrigley Field,” a cherished piece of baseball history, would be replaced with Tesla Field.
Also on the table: replacing the Cubs’ timeless pinstripes and “C” logo with a more “futuristic design,” including silver-accented uniforms powered with “climate-control tech” and smart-fabric integration developed by Tesla engineers.
The proposal reportedly included a digital, AI-powered scoreboard shaped like a Tesla Cybertruck.
Tom Ricketts’ Firm Response
Despite the massive financial offer, Tom Ricketts declined the proposal swiftly and decisively. In a private meeting with Musk and Tesla reps, Ricketts reportedly said:
“Wrigley Field isn’t just a ballpark. It’s a living piece of baseball’s soul. We’re not putting a price tag on that.”
He later confirmed his stance publicly in a statement released by the team:
“We deeply respect innovation and welcome partnerships that align with our values. But Wrigley Field is a sacred part of Chicago’s identity, and it will remain so for generations to come.”
That statement sent a wave of relief across the Cubs fanbase — and drew praise from traditionalists and former players alike.
Fans React: ‘We’re Not for Sale’
Within hours of the news breaking, hashtags like #SaveWrigley and #NotTeslaField began trending. Fans flocked to social media to share their emotional connection to the 110-year-old stadium, which has long been considered one of baseball’s “holy sites.”
“I love Elon, but you don’t mess with Wrigley,” one fan tweeted.
“You can build rockets and electric cars, but don’t touch our ivy,” said another.
For many, the offer felt like a tone-deaf overreach — one that undervalued the sentimental power of baseball nostalgia. The proposal raised questions about where to draw the line between modernization and heritage.
Musk Responds: ‘I Respect Tradition, But the Future Is Coming’
Never one to back down from controversy, Musk addressed the blowback on X (formerly Twitter):
“Wrigley is a beautiful stadium. But imagine a Tesla-powered, net-zero carbon ballpark of the future — powered by the sun, connected by AI, cooled by smart air, and leading MLB into a new era. That was the vision. Still open to collaboration.”
He added a winking emoji and the phrase: “No hard feelings.”
Though Musk’s fans applauded his ambition, even some of his staunchest supporters admitted this one might’ve gone too far.
“I’d buy a Tesla, but I don’t want to watch the Cubs at Tesla Field,” wrote one user on Reddit. “Some things are sacred.”
Behind the Scenes: A Broader Strategy?
Analysts say Musk’s overture may have been less about the Cubs and more about shaking up the entire MLB sponsorship landscape. With teams increasingly turning to tech and crypto partnerships, Musk may be testing the waters for broader Tesla involvement in sports — potentially even owning a franchise someday.
One sports economist noted:
“Musk is planting seeds. He knows the value of brand imprinting. If he can’t rename Wrigley, maybe he’ll try with a newer team or stadium. Don’t be surprised if you hear Tesla Field proposed again — somewhere else.”
Conclusion: History Wins the Inning
For now, Wrigley Field — with its ivy-covered walls, hand-operated scoreboard, and century of stories — remains untouched by Silicon Valley’s long reach. Tom Ricketts’ decision may not have brought in a billion-dollar boost, but it reaffirmed something priceless: that some legends don’t need a rebrand.
And while the future of sports may include AI uniforms and solar stadiums, one thing is clear:
The Chicago Cubs will keep playing at Wrigley Field — not Tesla Field — just the way it should be.