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Ishbia increasing minority stake in Sox


Fielder Jones

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  On 2/22/2025 at 5:30 PM, GreatScott82 said:

But why would Ishbia pull out of his Twins pursuit just to cover some more minority shareholders spots? Seems like Ishbia is doing this to eventually land the big fish of majority ownership.... 

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It's certainly possible. I'm just conditioned as a Sox fan to not get excited while reading the tea leaves. Plus Occum's Razor. The simplest answer is usually the correct one. 

The other issue that makes me doubt there is a "spitshake deal" is who here would accept a verbal promise from JR to eventually take controlling interest? That doesn't seem likely. 

But he did give fans free antennas to watch the Suns play. So he and JR can bond over that. 

I'm not saying it isn't possible, but I didn't believe it is as likely as some posters seem to believe. But it is interesting to ponder why. Perhaps after his people completed their due diligence he decided Minnesota wasn't a good investment. He wouldn't be the first person to back out of a purchase after getting a better look at the books. And there probably is a confidentiality agreement in place to prevent him from stating that. 

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  On 2/22/2025 at 4:54 PM, southsider2k5 said:

Correct.  The money goes to the people exiting the organization. 

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The diluting of shares means he's in for more shares regardless of whether limited partners sell or not (which would add cash flow). Also the below part doesn't really align with him waiting even five years for a team.

The Twins believed Ishbia was sincere in his pursuit because Reinsdorf wasn’t planning to sell the White Sox, according to a person with knowledge of the sale process. A person briefed on the situation told The Athletic that Ishbia held meetings in December with officials, community leaders and potential minority owners in Minnesota to express his interest in purchasing the team
Edited by Look at Ray Ray Run
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Picture this. All of Jerry’s investors who have been around for the last 40 years are now gone, and it’s just Jerry and Ishbia. Ishbia gets the new ballpark figured out, largely by himself. Now the crowded board room shrinks to 2, and Jerry has the security of both (1) having a new stadium built and (2) knowing there is a succession plan in place. He will be less scared. Maybe he even takes a liking to Ishbia and knows that he’ll be comfortable absorbing big contracts, etc. and that it will not affect the sale.

Jerry can now try to win without feeling the weight of his decisions as much as before. His guys got paid, and he didn’t have to pay for the stadium. My point is, this can be a game changer even while Jerry retains control.

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  On 2/22/2025 at 6:18 PM, Texsox said:

The other issue that makes me doubt there is a "spitshake deal" is who here would accept a verbal promise from JR to eventually take controlling interest? That doesn't seem likely. 

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I don't know. Reinsdorf strikes me as "a man of his word". He's a tough negotiator, but I put him in a different category from the guy who is currently in a pissing match with Greenland. And they put on paper that control shifts in 5 years, or on Reinsdorf's demise. 

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  On 2/22/2025 at 6:18 PM, Texsox said:

It's certainly possible. I'm just conditioned as a Sox fan to not get excited while reading the tea leaves. Plus Occum's Razor. The simplest answer is usually the correct one. 

The other issue that makes me doubt there is a "spitshake deal" is who here would accept a verbal promise from JR to eventually take controlling interest? That doesn't seem likely. 

But he did give fans free antennas to watch the Suns play. So he and JR can bond over that. 

I'm not saying it isn't possible, but I didn't believe it is as likely as some posters seem to believe. But it is interesting to ponder why. Perhaps after his people completed their due diligence he decided Minnesota wasn't a good investment. He wouldn't be the first person to back out of a purchase after getting a better look at the books. And there probably is a confidentiality agreement in place to prevent him from stating that. 

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All good points! I always appreciate your perspective, Tex! 

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I'm very familiar with the Ishbia's as I have been a supporter and follower of the Michigan State Basketball program for many years. As you know Justin's brother Matt played basketball at MSU and has been a huge financial supporter of MSU. I know Justin has always wanted to own a major league baseball team. He definately has the financial resources to do it. This would be hugely positive news if he was to become the majority owner. Unlike JR he would do whatever to field a championship team.  

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Ishbia goes from the verge of buying the Twins to backing off because JR asked.

Sports teams are going to be more expensive to purchase as time goes on, so Ishbia probably isn't going to wait forever.

That's like the maximum amount of smoke you can get.

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  On 2/22/2025 at 7:48 PM, Quin said:

Ishbia goes from the verge of buying the Twins to backing off because JR asked.

Sports teams are going to be more expensive to purchase as time goes on, so Ishbia probably isn't going to wait forever.

That's like the maximum amount of smoke you can get.

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I mean, they appear to be arranging a deal for Ishbia to buy out all the non Reinsdorf share holders.  Theoretically it seems like Ishbia may own more of the team than Jerry a week from today.  Obviously that doesn’t mean he will have control anytime soon, but Ishbia wouldn’t be making this deal if he had to wait out Jerry forever.  We need that Ron Paul “It’s Happening” GIF right about now.

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  On 2/22/2025 at 7:53 PM, Chicago White Sox said:

I mean, they appear to be arranging a deal for Ishbia to buy out all the non Reinsdorf share holders.  Theoretically it seems like Ishbia may own more of the team than Jerry a week from today.  Obviously that doesn’t mean he will have control anytime soon, but Ishbia wouldn’t be making this deal if he had to wait out Jerry forever.  We need that Ron Paul “It’s Happening” GIF right about now.

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Personally I think this fits us more.

huJmPXfeir5JlpPAx0.gif

 

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For reference on the Orioles deal:

  Quote

The structure of the deal is unique, likely fashioned to minimize some tax implications, according to a person familiar with the transaction who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. The Rubenstein group will buy “nearly 40%” of the club now and commit to buying the balance after Peter, 94, dies. The elder Angelos, who made his fortune as a class action attorney suing asbestos and tobacco businesses, stepped away from the team years ago due to illness.

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Per Google’s AI, this deal structure allowed control to transfer to Rubenstein immediately while saving the Angelos ~$250M in capital gains taxes.  I would wager large sums of money that this is the same playbook for Ishbia / Jerry.

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