Jerry Reinsdorf is ready to sell moribund White Sox after a historically poor season

Jerry Reinsdorf is reportedly exploring a sale to the Chicago White Sox.

The Athletic reported Wednesday that Reinsdorf, 88, was in “active discussions” about selling the team to “a group led by former big leaguer Dave Stewart.”

Reinsdorf, who also owns the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, bought the White Sox in 1981 for around $20 million.

Only the Steinbrenner family, which has owned the Yankees since 1973, has served as MLB owners longer.

Reinsdorf has long said he has no plans to sell the White Sox, despite growing fan criticism and poor on-field results.

Stewart, a 16-year MLB player and MVP of the 1989 World Series, was recently part of a group looking to bring a major league team to Nashville, Tennessee, although it is not clear what his commitment to the franchise’s future will be this season would mean Windy City, according to the outlet.

The news comes after the White Sox endured the worst season in modern MLB history.

Chicago lost a record 121 games in 2024, breaking the Mets’ single-season losing record set in 1962.

“Everyone in this organization is extremely dissatisfied with the results of this season, that goes without saying,” Reinsdorf said in a statement in September. “This year has been very painful for everyone, especially our fans. We didn’t get here overnight, and solutions won’t happen overnight.”

The White Sox fired longtime executive vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn during the 2023 season, hired Chris Getz as their new general manager and fired manager Pedro Grifol for Grady Sizemore in August.

None of these steps were enough to avoid making history.

“As we look back on the last year, we have made difficult decisions and changes to begin building a foundation for future success,” Reinsdorf said. “What has impressed me is how, despite a historically difficult season, our players and staff continue to work and bring a professional attitude to the stadium every day. No one is happy with the results, but I applaud the continued efforts.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that the White Sox were exploring a possible new stadium in Chicago’s South Loop to replace Guaranteed Rate Field, where they have played since 1991.

The White Sox drew just 17,046 fans per game this season, the fourth fewest in the majors.