CHICAGO -- The White Sox have begun exploring stadium options with  the team’s lease at Guaranteed Rate Field expiring after the 2029 season, according to a report in Crain’s Chicago Business.

The process is in its very early stages, with the team doing its due diligence with the lease expiration now on the horizon.

The White Sox issued a statement on the matter Monday night, which also was part of the Crain’s article.

“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,” said team spokesman Scott Reifert, who is the White Sox vice president of communications. “The conversations would be with the city, ISFA [Illinois Sports Facilities Authority] and the state and most likely would be about vision, opportunities and the future.”

That exploration could involve other areas in Chicago or in the surrounding suburbs. 

Guaranteed Rate Field was built, and is owned, by ISFA. The article also suggested that Jerry Reinsdorf, the team’s chairman, may seek to sell the White Sox and keep his ownership of the Chicago Bulls. Reinsdorf, 87, headlined the limited partnership to buy the White Sox in January 1981. 

Reifert declined to comment on that possibility.