Chicago, Illinois is one of the few cities in the United States that has two Major League Baseball teams; The Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox.
Why does Chicago have two baseball teams? The reasoning lies in the rich history, league competition, and geography of the city.
Along with cities like Los Angeles and New York, Chicago’s sports culture is shaped by the team’s infamous rivalry and has ultimately impacted the city’s economy and tourism.
Quick Highlights
- In 2025, the Cubs hosted 3,017,983 total patrons during their season, and the White Sox had a total of 1,445,738 attendees.
- In the 1980s, Chicago’s population grew by 600,000 residents in one decade.
- In 2025, the White Sox hosted the Cubs and had a total of 38,762 attendees – over 20,000 more than the White Sox home game average.
- The Cubs are currently valued at 4.6 billion dollars and the White Sox are not far behind, sitting at a value of 2 billion.
Population and Early Love
In the late 1890s and early 1900s, Chicago experienced a rapid population growth that was fostered by industrialization. This also contributed to a rise in the baseball fandom. Just in the 1980s alone, the city’s population grew by 600,000 people. By 1900, the city’s total population was 1.7 Million.
This sudden growth provided the perfect market for Chicago to capitalize on increased revenue. Baseball quickly emerged as one of the city’s favorite pastimes.
This cultural connection between the city and the franchises began to deepen as generations passed and traditions continued. The lasting enthusiasm behind both teams created long term economic viability that allowed the franchises to strengthen their roots within Chicago. While both teams have their distinct communities and fan bases, they both make up a large part of Chicago’s Identity.
Two Rival Leagues in the Same City
The ‘Chicago White Stockings’, now the Chicago Cubs, was one of the few charter teams the National League established in 1876. A few years later, when the Cubs were being established under their new name, the Charles Comiskey American League Initiative founded the Chicago White Sox.
Since the two franchises were in different leagues, they were able to avoid direct competition within league championships. Having two teams in Chicago fostered a healthy rivalry, while simultaneously creating a dynamic sports culture.
Rivalries are proven to increase fan engagement and motivate players to perform better. Ahead of the 2025 season, CBS Sports ranked the Cubs vs. White Sox rivalry game the second best game in MLB rivalry matchups.
Every season, the two teams play each other in the “Crosstown Classic”. This series is made up of six games, and gains some of the highest viewership rates of the season.
In 2025, Game 1 of the White Sox vs. The Cubs series held 38,762 attendees. This was significantly higher than the White Sox average game attendance, which stood at 18,021.
North vs. South Side
The divide between the North and South side of the city is deeply rooted in diversity and baseball history.
The city spans 25 miles from North to South. The size naturally shapes fan loyalty through geography and generations of family tradition.
North Side:
The Cubs play at the famous Wrigley Field in Wrigleyville, located north of downtown Chicago. It draws fans from surrounding neighborhoods and a broad cross-section of the city. This is shaped by proximity, culture, and long-standing community ties.
South Side:
The White Sox are based out of Rate Field located in the Armour Square neighborhood and in the south of downtown Chicago. The White Sox are deeply rooted in Chicago’s working-class communities, driven by strong local pride and loyalty.
Economic Impact and Tourism
The two franchises drive the local economy and tourism substantially. Both teams continuously generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city. Currently, the Cubs are valued at $4.6 billion, and the White Sox are valued at $2 billion.
The two fields also provide benefits for nearby hotels, restaurants, and local businesses, as they support tourism revenue streams.
Both teams and stadiums provide thousands of seasonal, part-time, and full-time job opportunities. This creates a stronger job market throughout the city as a whole.
Chicago also currently sits at the third largest media market in the U.S. This makes the teams a prime target for sponsorships and promotional opportunities.
Why There are Still Two Teams Today
The Historical evolution of both the Cubs and White Sox has left a lasting impact on Chicago. Both franchises continue to play an important role in the city’s economy, sports culture, and pride.
Block Club Chicago wrote, “In Chicago, one’s preferred baseball team isn’t simply about baseball. It’s a way of life and a communal identity that fans possess – which has, in part, kept the rivalry alive for so long.”
Chicago’s expansive fan base, cultural diversity, and powerful economy make it one of the few cities capable of sustaining two rival Major League franchises. With the Cubs competing in the National League and the White Sox in the American League, the rivalry is built not only on sport. It’s built on history, identity, and community.
Together, the Cubs and White Sox continue to shape Chicago’s cultural fabric. They fuel the city’s growth while strengthening its place at the heart of America’s baseball tradition.