Quick Facts: Chicago White Sox
| Owner | Jerry Reinsdorf (Chairman & Principal Owner) |
| CEO / Leader | Jerry Reinsdorf (Chairman); Ken Williams (Executive Vice President) |
| Founded | 1900, Chicago, Illinois |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Ownership Type | Private |
| Stock Ticker | N/A |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Who Owns the Chicago White Sox?
The Chicago White Sox are owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, a real estate attorney turned sports mogul who has served as the team’s chairman and principal owner since 1981. Reinsdorf led a group of investors that purchased the franchise from Bill Veeck for approximately $19 million — a sum that seems remarkable given that the franchise is worth well over $2 billion today. His ownership group, which has remained largely intact for over four decades, holds the team as a privately held entity with no publicly traded shares.
Reinsdorf’s control over the White Sox is absolute. As chairman, he sets the organizational direction, oversees major roster and management decisions, and has remained one of the most influential owners in Major League Baseball throughout his tenure. His fingerprints are on every significant chapter of modern White Sox history, from the 1983 “Winning Ugly” club to the 2005 World Series championship — the franchise’s most recent title. Reinsdorf has never shown interest in selling the team and has spoken publicly about his commitment to keeping the White Sox in Chicago, though discussions about a new stadium have dominated headlines in recent years.
Beyond the White Sox, Reinsdorf also owns the Chicago Bulls of the NBA, having acquired that franchise in 1985. He guided the Bulls through their legendary dynasty years with Michael Jordan in the 1990s. His dual-ownership of two major Chicago sports franchises makes him one of the most powerful figures in American professional sports, giving him significant leverage in negotiations with city and state officials over future arena and stadium arrangements.
About Jerry Reinsdorf
Jerry Reinsdorf was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1936 and built his initial fortune in real estate through Balcor Company, a real estate syndicator he co-founded. The sale of Balcor to American Express in 1982 cemented his financial foundation and allowed him to focus almost exclusively on his sports holdings. A Brooklyn Dodgers fan as a child, Reinsdorf became deeply involved in the business of baseball and has served on numerous MLB committees, including stints as an influential voice in labor negotiations. He holds law degrees and has always brought a methodical, business-first approach to team operations.
Reinsdorf’s dual ownership of the White Sox and the Chicago Bulls has made him one of the few individuals in American sports to control major franchises in two of the four major professional leagues simultaneously. His net worth is estimated in the billions, largely tied to his sports holdings and real estate legacy. He has faced criticism during losing stretches for his willingness to rebuild through cost-cutting, but White Sox fans credit his 2005 championship as the franchise’s defining modern moment.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Jerry Reinsdorf purchased the Chicago White Sox in 1981 for approximately $19 million, leading an investment group that has remained in control of the franchise for over 40 years. Today the franchise is valued at more than $2 billion, representing one of the greatest returns in sports ownership history.
- Reinsdorf also owns the Chicago Bulls NBA franchise, which he acquired in 1985. His Bulls won six NBA Championships between 1991 and 1998 with Michael Jordan — making him the owner behind one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history.
- The White Sox won the 2005 World Series under Reinsdorf’s ownership, sweeping the Houston Astros 4–0. It was the franchise’s first championship since 1917 and ended an 88-year drought that had worn heavily on White Sox fans.
- The White Sox have been among MLB’s worst teams in recent seasons (2023–2025), suffering one of the longest losing streaks in league history in 2024. Reinsdorf has overseen a full organizational rebuild, drafting young talent while trading veterans — a painful but intentional strategy.
- A new White Sox stadium in the city’s South Loop has been the subject of active negotiations with Chicago and Illinois officials. Any deal would be one of the largest sports venue projects in MLB history and a defining final act of Reinsdorf’s ownership tenure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Chicago White Sox?
Jerry Reinsdorf is the chairman and principal owner of the Chicago White Sox. He has owned the franchise since purchasing it in 1981 for $19 million. The team is privately held with no publicly traded shares.
Is the Chicago White Sox publicly traded?
No. The Chicago White Sox is a privately owned franchise. It is not listed on any stock exchange. Jerry Reinsdorf and his investment group hold the team privately.
What other teams does Jerry Reinsdorf own?
Jerry Reinsdorf also owns the Chicago Bulls of the NBA. He acquired the Bulls in 1985 and guided the franchise through six championships with Michael Jordan in the 1990s. Owning both a major league baseball team and an NBA franchise simultaneously puts him in a very rare category of sports owners.
When did the White Sox last win the World Series?
The Chicago White Sox won the 2005 World Series under Jerry Reinsdorf’s ownership, sweeping the Houston Astros in four games. It was the team’s first championship since 1917 and ended an 88-year title drought for the franchise.
