"It speaks volumes about the growth of the USL when you continue to see interest and investment from proven sports business executives like Tom Ricketts," USL CEO Alec Papadakis said in the release. "Over the last several years, we have assembled one of the most sophisticated and knowledgeable ownership groups in professional sports, drawn by our focus on building a sustainable, stable and professional organization with significant room for future growth. We welcome Tom and the entire Ricketts family to the USL. They bring a proven record of success to the team, and combined with the excellent group at Sterling Bay, we look forward to their contributions to the future of professional soccer in Chicago."