**White Sox Poised for Future Ownership Change as Reinsdorf Reaches Deal with Billionaire Ishbia**

Significant changes are on the horizon for the Chicago White Sox, as owner Jerry Reinsdorf finalizes an agreement with billionaire Justin Ishbia. This deal, structured to unfold over the next decade, grants Reinsdorf the option to sell the team's controlling interest to Ishbia between 2029 and 2033. Following the 2034 season, Ishbia will then have the opportunity to acquire the controlling interest outright.

"The agreement provides that, from 2029-2033, Reinsdorf will have the option to sell the controlling interest to Ishbia," the White Sox revealed in a Thursday press release. "After the 2034 season, Ishbia will have the option to acquire the controlling interest. In the event of any such future transaction, all limited partners of the Sox would have the opportunity to sell to Ishbia at that time."

Ishbia, who is the older brother of Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia, has been involved in sports ownership roles alongside his brother since 2023 when Mat Ishbia acquired the Phoenix teams. Justin Ishbia also maintains an ownership stake in Nashville SC of Major League Soccer. Before this formal agreement with Reinsdorf, he has owned a minority stake in the White Sox since 2021.

The timing of this news coincides with a challenging phase for the White Sox, who recently endured a historically poor season, finishing with a 41-121 record. The struggles have continued into the current season with a 20-43 record, the second-worst in baseball, positioning them at the bottom of the American League standings.

This transition marks the first potential shift in ownership since Reinsdorf's purchase of the White Sox in 1981. Reflecting on his long tenure, Reinsdorf stated, "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. 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."

Under Reinsdorf's leadership over 44 seasons, the White Sox have made the playoffs seven times and achieved a World Series title. Despite the ongoing agreement, Reinsdorf, now 89 years old, will retain his role as the daily decision-maker for the franchise until the new terms with Ishbia take effect.