The A’s are moving from Oakland to Las Vegas after finding themselves unable to resolve a stadium lease issue with the city. Could the White Sox be the next major league team to relocate? It’s possible, according to a report from Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business.
With the lease set to expire in six years, team majority owner Jerry Reinsdorf is considering moving the organization from Guaranteed Rate Field in the South Side neighborhood of Bridgeport. A move to Nashville is among the options for the team.
However, there are also options for the White Sox to remain in Chicago with a new stadium in the city or in the suburbs. A move out of Bridgeport is serious enough that one unnamed Chicago developer is preparing a bid, according to Hinz.
Hinz also noted that the 87-year-old Reinsdorf may seek to sell his ownership stake in the White Sox and keep his controlling interest in the Bulls. A change in ownership would obviously leave the door open for plans to be altered in regard to a stadium move.
When reached for comment, the White Sox left the door open for a change.
“We have not had any conversations about our lease situation, but with six years remaining, it is naturally nearing a time where discussions should begin to take place,” team spokesperson Scott Reifert said. “The conversations would be with the city, ISFA, and the state and most likely would be about vision, opportunities and the future.” ISFA, Hinz noted, is the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which is the entity that built and owns Guaranteed Rate Field.
While a move to Nashville is reportedly possible, the White Sox are still very early in the process of solidifying plans for a home after their current lease expires.
