Don't expect Tom Ricketts and the Cubs to mimic Dodgers' controversial stadium move

Back in 2015, a huge portion of the Chicago Cubs fanbase lost their minds when the team added the Toyota branding underneath the iconic Wrigley Field marquee. It was called a slap in the face to the ballpark's legacy, a blantant cash-grab and much worse. But, with time, the outrage has faded as the gameday experience for fans at the Friendly Confines continues to improve (that is, if you can afford it).

Thinking back to that experience, you can empathize with Dodgers fans upset with the team's new stadium naming rights deal with Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo that could present the iconic Dodger Stadium as something along the lines of 'Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium'.

Much the same as Willis Tower will always be Sears Tower to generations of Chicagoans, Dodger Stadium will remain just that - Dodger Stadium - to the majority of the fanbase. But money talks - and no organization rivals Los Angeles in its ability to capitalize on corporate partnerships, turning those investments into an elite on-field product looking for a third consecutive championship this year.

Since purchasing the team, Tom Ricketts has aggressively expanded corporate signage both in and around Wrigley Field - so naturally, upon seeing the Dodger Stadium naming rights news, I couldn't help but wonder if the Cubs would explore a similar deal with Wrigley Field.

Maybe - but it wouldn't be easy.

Landmark status ownership fought for could handcuff any naming efforts

Nearly two decades ago, former ownership explored the possibility of selling the naming rights to Wrigley Field - but a lot has changed since 2008, most notably, the ballpark's designation as a National Historic Landmark.

Given its protected status as a federal landmark, the marquee at the corner of Clark and Addison cannot be touched - it will always read 'WRIGLEY FIELD'. So take solace in that. The team could explore something along the lines of 'Wrigley Field, presented by...' - but the name of the stadium itself isn't going anywhere.

“Wrigley Field is a special place in the hearts of generations of fans,” Ricketts said in 2020 when the ballpark achieved landmark status. “That’s why, from our first day as owners, we committed to preserving Wrigley, which will now take its well-earned place in the lineup of American history and culture as a national treasure.”

Were I to guess, ownership and the business operations group has worked this angle over in every conceivable way and know both how it would be received by the fanbase and just how difficult these efforts would be given the ballpark's protected status. Hence every available square inch of the area being adorned with new signage in the last decade - there's money to be made, but there's one avenue that really isn't navigable for Ricketts and the Cubs.