A major ownership shake-up could be on the horizon for the Chicago White Sox. The iconic South Side franchise has announced a new investment agreement that may lead to a new White Sox owner in the coming years.
The potential successor? Justin Ishbia, a billionaire investor with deep Chicago ties and a growing presence in the professional sports world.
Who could be the next White Sox owner?
Jerry Reinsdorf, who has owned the White Sox since 1981, is preparing for a possible transition. Under the new agreement, he will have the option to sell majority ownership to Ishbia between 2029 and 2033.
If that doesn’t happen, Ishbia himself will have the option to take over the team after the 2034 season.
Who is Justin Ishbia?
Justin Ishbia is no stranger to sports. He and his brother Mat are minority owners of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and Justin also owns a minority share of the White Sox.
Earlier this year, he walked away from a deal to buy the Minnesota Twins, choosing instead to increase his stake in Chicago’s team.
The Ishbia family is also linked to Nashville through an investment in a Major League Soccer club there, but this new deal could signal a long-term commitment to keeping the White Sox in Chicago. It also gives the team financial reinforcement, as Ishbia is set to inject new funding in 2025 and 2026.
The long-term plan behind the next White Sox owner
While ownership won’t officially change until at least 2029, the move hints at a new direction for the franchise, possibly including plans for a new stadium. The White Sox have struggled in recent seasons, finishing with a record-setting 121 losses in 2024.
With fresh leadership on the horizon, fans are hopeful this deal might be the start of something better.
For Chicago, it’s not just a sports story. It’s the potential start of a generational shift in one of the city’s most historic institutions.