CHICAGO — A potential shift in control of the Chicago White Sox is now on the horizon. Billionaire investor Justin Ishbia has struck a deal that positions him to eventually take control of the Major League Baseball team, possibly by 2029, according to a report from Sportico.
Under the agreement, current team owner Jerry Reinsdorf, 89, will continue overseeing the White Sox for at least the next four years, retaining his leadership role through 2028. After that period, Ishbia will reportedly gain the right to purchase the team’s controlling stake — with a further timeline extending into 2034 for full acquisition rights.
“We’ve agreed to terms, but the team will make an official announcement soon,” Reinsdorf told Sportico via phone.
Who Is Justin Ishbia?
Justin Ishbia, alongside his brother Mat Ishbia, holds a minority stake in the White Sox — a position they first acquired in 2021. The brothers are majority owners of UWM Holdings, the parent company of United Wholesale Mortgage, which was originally founded by their father.
According to Forbes, Justin Ishbia personally owns 22% of UWM and has a net worth of $4.7 billion. His brother Mat, who owns the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, controls a larger share of UWM and is valued at $8.6 billion.
While Sportico notes that a representative for Ishbia did not immediately comment, the report indicates that plans are moving forward behind the scenes for a gradual but eventual leadership transition.
Source: Sportico – Full Report
Why This Matters
The White Sox are one of Chicago’s iconic sports franchises, and changes at the top could signal a shift in long-term strategy, stadium discussions, or management. Reinsdorf has owned the team since 1981 and has often been criticized for his conservative spending and loyalty to longtime front office staff.
In contrast, Justin Ishbia has been active in sports ownership, with his family already owning a piece of both MLB and NBA franchises. While it’s unclear what immediate changes Ishbia might bring, the potential for new leadership could reshape how the White Sox approach competitive rebuilding in the coming decade.
Do you think new ownership will change the direction of the White Sox? Should Jerry Reinsdorf have stepped down sooner? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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