CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago White Sox have announced a long-term investment agreement with Justin Ishbia, establishing a framework for him to potentially acquire a controlling interest in the team in the future.

Key Insights:

• Future Controlling Interest – The agreement outlines a pathway for Justin Ishbia to obtain a controlling interest in the Chicago White Sox, though the earliest this could occur is 2029.
• Immediate Capital Infusion – As part of the deal, Ishbia will make capital infusions into the White Sox as a limited partner in 2025 and 2026 to help pay down existing debt and support ongoing team operations.
• Jerry Reinsdorf Remains in Control – Until any future transaction, Jerry Reinsdorf, who has been the chairman since 1981, will continue to hold the controlling interest and remain the sole day-to-day decision-maker for the club.

The announced agreement formalizes a potential future ownership transition for the Chicago White Sox, with investor Justin Ishbia positioned to take over control from current chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

How the Ownership Transition Could Unfold

The long-term investment agreement between Jerry Reinsdorf and Justin Ishbia lays out a specific timeline for a potential change in control. From 2029 to 2033, Reinsdorf will have the option to sell his controlling interest to Ishbia. Following the 2034 season, the option shifts, and Ishbia will then have the opportunity to acquire the controlling interest. The agreement also specifies that if such a transaction occurs, all current limited partners of the White Sox would have the chance to sell their shares to Ishbia. It is important to note that the team’s announcement stresses there is “no assurance” that any future transaction will take place, and no transaction can occur before 2029.

What Justin Ishbia Brings to the White Sox

Justin Ishbia, the founder and managing partner of Chicago-based private equity firm Shore Capital Partners, is already a limited partner in the White Sox. His brother, Mat Ishbia, and father, Jeff Ishbia, will also be significant investors. The Ishbia brothers have prior experience in major sports ownership, having purchased a majority stake in the NBA’s Phoenix Suns (Suns) and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury (Mercury) in 2023. Justin Ishbia also holds a minority stake in Nashville SC, a Major League Soccer club. The capital infusions planned for 2025 and 2026 are intended to address existing debt and provide operational support for the team.

The Reinsdorf Family’s Continued Role and Future Outlook

Despite the agreement, Jerry Reinsdorf, 89, will maintain full control of the White Sox for at least the next five years. He has been the team’s chairman since purchasing the franchise in 1981. Reinsdorf stated his intent to operate the White Sox as long as he is able and remains committed to the team’s on-field success. This agreement provides a potential succession plan for the White Sox, while ensuring continuity of leadership for the immediate future. The development of a new ballpark for the White Sox, with their lease at Guaranteed Rate Field expiring in 2029, remains a significant factor as the team looks to its future.