CHICAGO (WLS) — Justin Ishbia, the White Sox minority owner who is in line to assume control of the franchise, said current majority owner Jerry Reinsdorf remains responsible for key decisions involving the team, including any potential move from its longtime home in Bridgeport.
Speaking before an audience assembled by Crain’s Chicago Business, Ishbia described himself as a major sports fan and praised Chicago’s sports culture. Many in attendance were familiar with Ishbia as the founder of Shore Capital, a Chicago-headquartered private equity firm. He is also known to many Chicagoans for his role as a minority owner of the White Sox and his future plan to take over control of the organization.
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Despite that arrangement, Ishbia emphasized that Reinsdorf remains in charge.
“He’s in charge until the day. He says he’s not and then I’ll have a turn also,” Ishbia said.
Among the decisions still facing Reinsdorf is whether and when the White Sox could leave Guaranteed Rate Field. Ishbia has purchased land in the South Loop across the river from the development known as The 78, where he envisions a new stadium could be built. If such a project moves forward, he said he believes it should be privately financed.
“In any development whether it be a sports stadium or something else I think it’s incumbent upon the anchor tenant to build their own home,” Ishbia said.
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The property Ishbia is acquiring is currently home to a railroad maintenance facility owned by Amtrak. The railroad has said it wants to build a new maintenance facility in Bridgeport near the White Sox’s current ballpark, a proposal that has drawn opposition from some neighborhood residents.
Ald. Nicole Lee, who represents Bridgeport, released a statement on the issue.
“Leaders in our city should be investing in modernizing Sox Park and the surrounding area. We stand ready to work with anyone to develop a comprehensive plan to that effect,” Lee said.
Ishbia said decisions regarding a replacement maintenance facility are entirely up to Amtrak.
“I don’t control what Amtrak does. Amtrak’s decision to go there is fully Amtrak’s decision,” he said.
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Ishbia has extensive ties to professional sports. He and his brother, Mat Ishbia, are principal owners of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. He is also a minority owner of Nashville’s soccer club.
Former White Sox manager and player Ozzie Guillen said he believes Ishbia would be a positive addition to the franchise’s leadership.
“Pretty amazing guy. Young guy with a lot of thoughts on his mind. A lot of great stuff for Chicago,” Guillen said.
Under an agreement between Ishbia and Reinsdorf, Ishbia could potentially assume a controlling interest in the White Sox between 2029 and 2033.
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