The Chicago Cubs did not post messages celebrating Pride Month on their main social media channels as June began, prompting some fans to question whether the team has changed its approach to supporting the LGBTQ+ community online.
While other Chicago sports teams, including the White Sox, Bears, Sky and Stars, shared public statements and graphics for Pride Month across their platforms this week, the Cubs’ accounts remained quiet. This absence was notable for some supporters who recalled that in previous years the team regularly posted celebratory graphics and messages throughout June.
Despite this shift in online communication, the Cubs continue to host an annual Pride celebration at Wrigley Field. The 2026 event is scheduled for June 15 during a game against the Colorado Rockies and will feature LGBTQ+-owned businesses, entertainment, a Pride jersey giveaway, and fundraising efforts for Center on Halsted. The club also participates in Chicago’s Pride Parade and sells themed merchandise.
Danny Rockett, a Cubs fan and co-host of the Son Ranto Show podcast, said, “If you’ve done it in the past, other teams are doing it, Major League Baseball is doing it, and you decide not to do it, it seems like a choice not to do it. I’m not saying that’s what happened, but that’s what it feels like to fans.” Rockett added, “It’s not like the Cubs don’t do anything. They have Pride Night, they’re in the Pride Parade, they have an owner who’s part of the LGBTQ community. That’s why it’s noticeable. The expectation is there because they’ve done it before.”
Jen Martinez, senior director of communications for the Cubs, said in a statement that “the team’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community remains unchanged.” Martinez said, “Throughout June, Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flags will be flying at Wrigley Field. Fans will see content across Instagram, X and Facebook showcasing our Pride Celebration at Wrigley Field, stories connected to our community initiatives and coverage of our participation in the Chicago Pride Parade.”
The franchise has been seen as a leader within professional sports when it comes to LGBTQ+ outreach since hosting its first annual event focused on these fans at Wrigley Field in 2001—an initiative later adopted by many other Major League Baseball teams. Laura Ricketts serves on both Cubs’ board of directors and chairs its charitable arm; she became MLB’s first openly LGBTQ+ woman co-owner when her family bought into ownership in 2009.