The Chicago Cubs had a long history as "lovable losers" due to poor ownership that did not prioritize winning. From 1945-2009, this period was known as the "Dark Ages" for the Cubs. In 2009, the Ricketts family purchased the Cubs and made winning the top priority. After several losing seasons under new management, the Cubs won their first World Series title in 108 years in 2016. The value of the Cubs franchise has grown significantly since the new ownership focused on strategic patience and investing in the team.