Even if some heirs want to cash out, experts say it's unlikely to impact the borrowing capacity the McCaskey family needs to bankroll a new stadium. That's because NFL rules now allow teams to sell up to 10% to private equity investors.

The Chicago Bears laid their matriarch to rest on a snowy Wednesday morning in the northwest suburbs. Hundreds of friends and family, including fellow NFL owners and many former Bears players,

The daughter of Bears founder George Halas, McCaskey watched the NFL go from a struggling start-up to the most powerful league in America.

Virginia Halas McCaskey has died at the age of 102. McCaskey became owner of the Chicago Bears in 1983. Her father George Halas was the team's founder and first coach.

McCaskey has been the team's principal owner since 1983, when her father and team founder George S. Halas died.

The daughter of the Bears founder and football pioneer, George Halas, she witnessed much of N.F.L. history from a young age, then took the team’s reins in 1983.

Virginia McCaskey, owner of the Chicago Bears and daughter of NFL co-founder George Halas, died Thursday at 102. McCaskey’s death was announced by her family. Her exact cause of death was not reported.

Virginia McCaskey, who inherited the Chicago Bears from her father, George Halas, and largely avoided the spotlight during four-plus decades as principal owner, died Feb. 6 at 102. Mrs. McCaskey’s family announced the death but did not provide more details.

Virginia McCaskey has served as the Bears owner since October 31, 1983, on the death of her father, Bears founder George Halas.

The Chicago Bears have begun to say their final goodbyes Tuesday to longtime team owner Virginia Halas McCaskey, who died last Thursday at 102.