• Loading stock data...
Monday, November 11, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

The White Sox Sale Trial Balloons Are Starting

  • Owner Jerry Reinsdorf is reportedly in talks about selling the White Sox.
  • The potential buyer has strong ties to Nashville, whose mayor met with Reinsdorf in December.
Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Several options are emerging for the future of Jerry Reinsdorf’s White Sox: a new stadium, a new owner, and a new city.

The second-longest tenured MLB owner is in talks with a group called Smoke34 led by former-player-turned-executive Dave Stewart, according to multiple reports. It’s significant because, despite fans’ pleas to “sell the team” throughout one of the worst seasons in MLB history, Reinsdorf, 88, has long said his intention is for his family to sell the team after he dies.

Stewart has been publicly pining for a team for years. In 2021, the Oakland-born pitcher, who won the 1989 World Series with the A’s, made a $115 million bid to buy the city of Oakland’s half of the Coliseum site. Stewart has also been tied to expansion team bids for MLB and NWSL teams in Nashville.

This isn’t the first time Reinsdorf, who also owns the Bulls, has toyed with the idea of Music City. The owner met with Nashville mayor Freddie O’Connell in December, after he had shut down the idea of moving the team there in September.

Of course, talking to Nashville-loving Stewart could be a strategy to pressure city and state officials into allocating public funding for the team’s proposed new stadium a few miles north in an area called The 78. Like the Bears, the Sox are hoping for a mix of public and private dollars to build a new home, but Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has continuously opposed the notion, saying last month that “right now, there is no building any new stadiums.”

For any prospective buyer, it would be a curious time to take Reinsdorf’s roughly 19% stake off his hands. Not only is the stadium a looming question mark, but so is the media situation. This fall, Reinsdorf launched the Chicago Sports Network for the Bulls, Sox, and Blackhawks, three teams struggling in mediocrity or worse. The new venture still doesn’t have a deal with Comcast, the primary cable provider in Chicago, leaving many fans unable to watch Blackhawks games since the season started more than a week ago.

If any of this were to happen, it likely wouldn’t be anytime soon. The White Sox are locked into their lease at Guaranteed Rate Field through the 2029 season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How Schools Are Raising Money to Prep for House v. NCAA Settlement

Schools are hunting for money they may be sharing with athletes soon.
Nov 10, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at AT&T Stadium.

Why Won’t Jerry Jones Hang Curtains for Cowboys Games?

AT&T Stadium put up curtains for “WrestleMania” and The Eras Tour.

Rays Future Stadium Deal in Hands of Newly Elected Officials

Newly elected county commission members are expressing heightened skepticism of the club’s agreement.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Roger Goodell Wants MORE International Games

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

Cubs Agree to Alter Wrigley As Part of DOJ Settlement

The second-oldest MLB ballpark will have to make upgrades again.
November 1, 2024

Inside Cosm’s Plans for a Fourth Location—and Beyond

The downtown Detroit site will add to the city’s sports and entertainment district.
November 1, 2024

Rays’ Future Uncertain As Tropicana Field Repairs Begin

The Rays still don’t know where they will play in 2025.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
October 31, 2024

Florida-Georgia Game Hits the Road Amid $1.4B Stadium Renovation

EverBank Stadium will have reduced capacity in 2026 and be closed in 2027.
Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) walks off the field after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field.
October 25, 2024

Browns Sue Cleveland Over ‘Modell Law’ Threatening Suburban Dreams

The Browns want a new stadium, but a law forbids leaving downtown.
October 24, 2024

Packers Agree to Green Bay’s Rent Terms Amid Lambeau Lease Dispute

The team and city have been embroiled in a lease dispute.
Intuit Dome
October 24, 2024

From Restrooms to Tech, Fans Rave About Intuit Dome Despite ‘Hassle’

The Intuit Dome cost $2 billion to build.