This story correctly points out that the Tribune company is putting lipstick on a pig before selling it (not just the Cubbies, but the whole shootin’ match), but fails to note the tax advantages that accrue to new franchise owners. In short (and I’m not accountant, so don’t expect too many details), for the first five years after buying a team new owners can depreciate the expense of salaries, which amounts to a substantial tax break.
Which is why so many owners get into baseball, last five years, and then start complaining about all the money they’re losing and move on.