Bill Wirtz
The owner who held the Blackhawks for over 40 years, earning both a reputation for frugality and induction into two Halls of Fame.
William Wadsworth Wirtz (October 5, 1929 – September 26, 2007) was the chief executive officer and controlling shareholder of the family-owned Wirtz Corporation. Best known as the owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, he also served as the team president for over four decades. Born in Chicago to Arthur Wirtz and Virginia, he attended Brown University before returning to lead his father's empire. His tenure was defined by a reputation for stubbornness and frugality, earning him the nickname "Dollar" Bill. While vilified by fans for forbidding local television broadcasts of regular-season games, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976 and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.
- Role
- Owner and President
- Affiliation
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Tenure Start
- 1967
- Tenure End
- 2007
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Bill Wirtz's ownership was marked by extreme frugality and a controversial stance on media rights. He forbade home games from being televised unless picked up by national broadcasters, a move that only occurred during playoff runs. To mitigate this, he introduced Hawkvision in the 1991–92 and 1992–93 seasons, a pay-television service costing $29.95 per month. Critics blamed him for losing stars like Bobby Hull to the WHA, trading Denis Savard in 1990, and allowing Ed Belfour and Dominik Hašek to leave. Under his watch, the team suffered the third-longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history. In 2004, ESPN named the Blackhawks the worst franchise in sports and ranked Wirtz as the third greediest owner. Despite this, he served as chairman of the NHL Board of Governors for 18 years, helping merge the NHL and WHA.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of Bill Wirtz is one of contradictions: a man vilified by fans yet hailed by peers for loyalty. While critics pointed to his role in trading Phil Esposito in 1967 or Chris Chelios (who requested the trade), those within the circle saw differently. Former general manager Dale Tallon, star Stan Mikita, and Martin Lapointe described him as generous and fiercely loyal. In 1993, he established Blackhawk Charities, donating millions to groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs. He served on the Olympic Committees for both the 1980 and 1984 Winter Olympics. His death in 2007 following a battle with cancer was met with irony; during the Blackhawks' home opener tribute on October 6, 2007, the crowd booed his memory. His son Peter briefly took over before handing control to Rocky Wirtz, who immediately reversed many policies.
Reader's Guide
Understanding Bill Wirtz requires looking past the "Dollar" Bill nickname to see a man with deep roots in Chicago business and sports. He inherited Judge & Dolph Ltd., selling over 33 percent of all liquor in Illinois, and co-owned the United Center with Jerry Reinsdorf. In 1979, he sold Holiday on Ice and Ice Follies for $12 million to Irvin & Kenneth Feld Productions. His personal holdings were estimated at $3 to $4 billion. The "Wirtz Law" of 1999, a wine and spirits bill passed after significant political contributions, was struck down by a court for violating the commerce clause. For fans, his legacy is a study in resilience; while he kept the team from TV screens, he kept it alive through decades of droughts, eventually passing ownership to Rocky Wirtz, who would break the Stanley Cup curse.
Did You Know?
- Bill Wirtz served as team president of the Blackhawks for exactly 41 years.
- He held a seat on the NHL Board of Governors for 18 years, helping to merge the NHL and World Hockey Association.
- The crowd booed during a tribute and moment of silence for Bill Wirtz at the Blackhawks' home opener on October 6, 2007.
- He sold Holiday on Ice and Ice Follies for $12 million in 1979.
- Bill Wirtz established Blackhawk Charities in 1993, which donated millions to the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bill Wirtz?
Bill Wirtz was the long-time owner and president of the Chicago Blackhawks, leading the franchise from 1967 until his death in 2007. Born into a Chicago business family, he managed the team with strict control over its operations and finances.
What powers did Bill Wirtz hold?
As both the controlling shareholder and president, he held absolute authority over all hockey decisions, including player contracts and game broadcasts. His influence extended to blocking regular-season games from being shown on local television for decades.
Why was he nicknamed 'Dollar' Bill?
Fans and media gave him this moniker because of his extreme frugality and reluctance to spend money on player salaries or team improvements during his tenure. This reputation often put him at odds with players who felt underpaid compared to other NHL teams.
How did Bill Wirtz's story end?
Bill Wirtz passed away in September 2007 after a long battle with cancer, ending an era of family ownership that spanned over four decades. His death marked the beginning of significant changes for the Blackhawks under new leadership.
Why is Bill Wirtz important to Blackhawks history?
He is a polarizing figure whose strict management style shaped the team's culture and financial approach for nearly half a century. Despite his controversial decisions, he oversaw the franchise through various eras and remains a central part of its organizational legacy.
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