The Sox might have a partner in their quest to build on the 78, although this partner has a different opinion on funding it.
The Chicago Fire, the city's MLS team, has recently come out with news of wanting to build a new soccer stadium. Team owner Joe Mansueto is kicking around the idea of building the stadium on the 78.
The site's developer, Related Midwest, is willing to accommodate both teams. The conflict is Mansueto believes teams should cover the entire cost of building the stadium.
I wrote about how Related Midwest wants both the White Sox and Fire to build on Project 78, but they are working with two owners who have much different views in achieving that dream.
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That could pose a problem for Jerry or any ownership group that buys the Sox. The leverage play is to threaten relocation if the financial demands are not met for a new ballpark. It will be kind of hard to make the threat to state and local government when another billionaire, with an even less well-known team in the area in a less popular sport, is willing to fully fund his project.
Hey, maybe Mansueto, who Forbes estimates to be worth $7.2 billion, might be interested in buying the Sox and then working with Related Midwest to develop Chicago's newest neighborhood and rake in the profits from it.
However, the costs of owning an MLB team are much bigger than an MLS club. There is more fame and attention in owning a baseball team, but it comes with an economic system where player costs are not controlled, unlike the MLS system. The MLS system cost control around players makes it easier to turn a profit.
While Stewart is the only reported potential buyer, there are other very wealthy Chicagoans who have been speculated to be interested in buying the Sox if they are indeed for sale. Even if a local buyer purchases the club, the team's ballpark situation must be resolved.