White Sox Fans Eager for Ownership Change to Revitalize Team
On the South Side, a flicker of optimism emerged Thursday as the White Sox announced a potential ownership change. Jerry Reinsdorf, the 89-year-old owner, is in discussions to transfer control of the team to billionaire Justin Ishbia, who co-owns the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. However, this transition won't occur until at least 2029.
With the team on track for its third consecutive season of over 100 losses, fans are eager for a shift. The White Sox set a disheartening record in 2024, finishing with a 41-121 record, prompting calls for change. Tailgating before a game against the Tigers, fan Joey Privia expressed urgency: "They should be taking control today. The Sox need a boost, and [Reinsdorf] hasn't been giving it any money to boost them up back where they need to be to compete with the other teams in the league."
Chants of "Sell The Team" have echoed through Rate Field as fans voice their frustration with Reinsdorf's management. George Stamas articulated a common sentiment among supporters: "Chicago needs two teams. The South Side has had a team over a hundred years, and for the Sox to leave would be a shame. If they keep it local and infuse some cash, it would be a great team again."
Stamas also expressed hope that new ownership could lead to another World Series championship. Since their 2005 victory, the White Sox have only made the playoffs three times, securing just three wins in that span. Meanwhile, Amy Monesmith welcomed the slow transition period before Ishbia's potential acquisition. "I think it'll be good that it's a slow transition," she said. "He can kind of see what he does with that time."
Reed Monesmith emphasized the need for immediate changes within the organization. "Once we can see some of those changes, and if that makes any difference, then that could make a better purchase later on," he noted.
Melissa Gullatte outlined her vision for improvement: "I think in leadership, definitely, in the players that we receive, and the interest in Sox as a whole. A different leadership group might add more interest to the team and get more fans out to the stands."
As fans await Ishbia's potential control of the White Sox, concerns linger about the team's future location. Speculation has arisen regarding Reinsdorf's interest in relocating the team to Nashville after meetings with local officials during Major League Baseball's 2023 winter meetings. Ishbia's ties to Nashville, including his minority ownership of Nashville SC and his Vanderbilt University background, add fuel to these rumors.
Reinsdorf acquired the White Sox in 1981 from former owner Bill Veeck, marking the beginning of an era that fans hope will soon evolve into something brighter.
