Nearly five decades into Jerry Reinsdorf’s ownership of the Chicago White Sox is coming to an end, but not soon enough – to the frustration of many fans.
In a recent statement, the White Sox announced that Reinsdorf, 89, has reached a long-term agreement with current minority owner Justin Ishbia. However, the long-time owner will not be relinquishing full control of the American League team until at least 2029.
Meanwhile, the team remains stuck in a rebuilding phase while sitting at the bottom of the AL Central with 22 wins and 43 losses. Following consecutive 100-loss seasons – including an MLB record in 2024 for most losses in a season – things are not looking any better in 2025.
Chicago White Sox Fans Demand Quicker Transition
White Sox fans would have liked to see a quicker succession plan – one that signals a fresher start, which feels long overdue after years of mediocrity. MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal was speaking on the Foul Territory’s Inside Scoop segment about the latest news.
“They should feel encouraged that a transition will eventually take place — and somewhat disappointed that it won’t take place sooner,” Rosenthal said on the White Sox’s ownership future. “Frankly, Jerry Reinsdorf has had an amazing run in two sports as an owner, but it is reasonable to say that his time has come, and it would be better to have new leadership at the White Sox.”
“Nothing really has changed from last year. They’re on a good path — they’re bringing in Kyle Tiello, the Crochet trade looks like it was good, and some of the things going on in their minor leagues. The rotation they’ve built this year has turned out okay. But they still have a long way to go,” Rosenthal continued.
“They have not had success with Reinsdorf in quite some time.”@Ken_Rosenthal weighs in on why White Sox fans are disappointed the team’s succession plan isn’t happening sooner. pic.twitter.com/mYEZ4iZRns
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 6, 2025
“Ultimately, they’ve not had success with Reinsdorf. So yes, I think it’s time for a change. If I were a White Sox fan, I’d just wish it was sooner.”
What We Know About White Sox And Reinsdorf’s Succession Plan
The latest White Sox ownership succession agreement will see Ishbia begin putting capital into the team in 2025 and 2026. The funds will be used to pay existing debt and support the team’s operations.
Ishbia, who is also a Phoenix Suns co-owner in the NBA, will act as a limited partner at the White Sox over the next two years. As per the current agreement, Reinsdorf will continue to retain full control but has the option to sell his majority stake to Ishbia anytime beginning in 2029 and stretching up to 2033.
That means Reinsdorf could continue at the helm until as late as 2034, and if that happens, Ishbia will not be able to acquire full control until then. That is a long time away, and no meaningful change in leadership is expected to happen until at least 2029.
Jerry Reinsdorf’s Statement And What It Means For the White Sox
Reinsdorf, who has been the chairman of the White Sox since 1981, is the sole day-to-day decision maker at the club currently. After the agreement was made public, he released a statement, saying:
“Having the incredible opportunity to own the Chicago White Sox and be part of Major League Baseball for nearly 50 years has been a life-changing experience,” said Reinsdorf. “I have always expressed my intent to operate the White Sox as long as I am able and remain committed to returning this franchise to the level of on-field success we all expect and desire.”
But for White Sox fans, words aren’t enough. 2025 marks 20 years since their 2005 World Series win, but they haven’t seen any sustained success since then. For that to happen, the team needs a big and consistent investment across years – and that hasn’t happened with Reinsdorf.
White Sox fans can be hopeful for the future, but they are rightly disappointed because the transition is delayed, and change doesn’t look like it will be coming anytime soon.