“Nothing’s gonna change until the McCaskeys sell the team” - CM Punk flames Bears ownership on Netflix broadcast

Streaming giant Netflix did not spare any expense to ensure the NFL's debut on its platform is as stellar as possible. They hired an all-star crew to handle the on-air duties and also trotted out special guests during the coverage, including WWE superstar CM Punk.

The outspoken wrestler gained notoriety for his straight-edge lifestyle, incredible in-ring ability and for calling out the top brass in an infamous promo, dubbed the "pipebomb." The Chicago native proved his onscreen character was an extension of his real-life personality as he lashed out at the Bears owners, the McCaskey family, in a viral rant.

When asked whether his hometown team would bounce back next season after a disappointing 2024 season, he said:

“Nothing's gonna change until the McCaskeys sell the team. I've said it, I've said it; we're live on Netflix, I don't care. Like, I've been there, ‘Oh Lovie Smith's gonna change the Bears, oh Trubisky's gonna change the Bears,' and then we trade up and we miss Mahomes? Like Patrick Mahomes right now, he'd be on the Bears.”

Are the McCaskeys selling the Bears?

Rumors of the McCaskeys selling the Bears have been doing the rounds for over a decade. However, there's no indication from the family or even a spokesperson close to the team's top brass that they intend to part ways with the franchise.

Team founder George Halas' daughter Virginia Halas McCaskey, who will turn 102 in January, has been the franchise's principal owner since her brother George Jr.'s death in 1979 and has resisted selling it. Four of her eight sons still work for the Bears and will likely assume control of their mother's stake in the team in the future.

If the McCaskeys put the team up for sale, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will reportedly be among those vying to pry the team off their hands. He was in the running to buy the Washington Commanders but was outbid by a group led by Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris. He's the betting favorite to buy the Bears if the team was put on the market.

For now, there are no indications that the Bears are up for sale. However, the McCaskeys have little goodwill left among the team's fans, including CM Punk, and they'll have to right the ship soon to earn it back.