When comparing the foundational origins of Chicago's major professional sports organizations, the Chicago Cubs stand as the significantly older franchise by several decades. The professional baseball club traces its continuous operational roots back to the 1870s, originally playing under names like the Chicago White Stockings before joining the official National League framework in 1876, cementing its status as one of the oldest teams in professional sports history. Conversely, the Chicago Bears were founded later as a charter pillar of professional football during the early twentieth century. This historical timeline establishes the Cubs as a deeply embedded part of Chicago's sporting identity long before professional football arrived in the city.