Jerry Reinsdorf, long-time owner of the Chicago White Sox, is reportedly in active discussions to sell the team, according to The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli. The potential buyer is a group led by former MLB player, coach, and executive Dave Stewart. However, it remains unclear how far these negotiations have progressed.
Reinsdorf, who purchased the White Sox in 1981 for around $20 million, is now considering parting ways with the team he has owned for over four decades. Under his leadership, the White Sox have made six playoff appearances, including their World Series win in 2005, which ended an 88-year championship drought for the franchise. Forbes currently values the White Sox at just over $2 billion, ranking them as the 15th most valuable team in Major League Baseball.
The recent struggles of the White Sox may have played a role in Reinsdorf’s willingness to explore a sale. The team endured a historically poor 2024 season, finishing with a dismal 41-121 record, the worst in modern MLB history. This led to the firing of manager Pedro Grifol in August, only halfway through his second year in the role. The team’s performance has drawn sharp criticism from fans, many of whom have been calling for Reinsdorf to sell the team.
In a letter to fans last month, Reinsdorf acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the season. “As the leader of this organization, that is my ultimate responsibility. There are no excuses,” he wrote. “I want to thank you for continuing to support the team throughout what was an embarrassing season. You all deserved better”, told ESPN.
Despite previously stating that he wished for his heirs to sell the White Sox after his death, while keeping the NBA’s Chicago Bulls—another team he owns—Reinsdorf’s change of heart has come as a surprise. Reinsdorf’s son, Michael, currently serves as the Bulls’ COO and team president.
There are also questions about the White Sox’s future home. Their current lease at Guaranteed Rate Field runs until 2029, but the team has been pushing for a new stadium in the Chicago area. It’s unclear if Stewart’s ownership group would pursue relocating the team, possibly to Tennessee, where Stewart has been attempting to bring an MLB expansion team and a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team to Nashville.
Whether or not the sale is finalized or if Stewart’s group remains part of the negotiations, the fact remains: after more than 40 years, Reinsdorf appears to be ready to pass the White Sox into new hands.