Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs have been the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A affiliate since 1981, making it one of the longest continuous parent-affiliate relationships in all of minor league baseball. Based in Des Moines, the franchise has been a cornerstone of Iowa's sports landscape for over four decades, developing waves of talent that have shaped the Cubs' major league roster.

Principal Park, which opened in 1992 along the banks of the Des Moines River, provides one of the most scenic settings in Triple-A baseball. The 11,500-seat ballpark replaced aging Sec Taylor Stadium and quickly became a community gathering place in downtown Des Moines. Its riverside location and intimate atmosphere have made it a beloved destination for fans across the state.

The Iowa Cubs' greatest claim to fame is their role in developing the core of the Chicago Cubs' historic 2016 World Series championship team. Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, and other key contributors all honed their skills at Principal Park before breaking the Cubs' 108-year championship drought. Earlier generations saw Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Starlin Castro pass through Des Moines on their way to Wrigley Field.

Longtime manager Marty Pevey has been a defining figure for the franchise, leading the club since 2013 and becoming the winningest manager in Iowa Cubs history. Under Diamond Baseball Holdings' ownership since 2021, the franchise continues to serve as a vital link in the Cubs' player development chain. The 2025 season saw the I-Cubs post a 74-75 record, with Pevey returning at the helm for 2026.