[nomarandlee]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/politic...gley13.article

Zell no to state bid for Wrigley
PLAN 'KIND OF CRAZY' |
Trib chief not sold on maverick financing deal

May 13, 2008

BY FRAN SPIELMAN AND DAVID ROEDER Staff Reporters

Tribune Co. Chairman Sam Zell has rejected former Gov. James Thompson's secret plan to acquire and renovate Wrigley Field for at least $400 million without raising taxes and now plans to package the Cubs and their landmark stadium in a private transaction, sources said Monday.

Together, the Cubs and their real estate could command $1 billion, based on recent sales of professional teams. Zell opened talks with Thompson, chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, in hopes that selling Wrigley to the state would make the team more valuable.

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