Mortgage lender buys naming rights to White Sox ballpark

The White Sox ballpark will soon be named after a Chicago-based mortgage lender

A Chicago-based mortgage lender has just signed a 13-year naming rights agreement with the Chicago White Sox for the team’s ballpark – but is fan ire worth the notoriety naming rights will bring?

The Illinois Sports Authority approved the agreement between the White Sox and mortgage lender Guaranteed Rate Wednesday, according to a White Sox release. The ballpark – originally known as New Comiskey Park – will be named Guaranteed Rate Field beginning Nov. 1. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

“We are pleased to find, in Guaranteed Rate, a new naming rights partner founded in Chicago by Chicagoans, which shares our commitment to the city and to our fans,” said White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “We view this partnership as an opportunity to connect a successful Chicago business with a historic baseball franchise, and we look forward to growing this important relationship over the coming years as millions of fans enjoy White Sox baseball at Guaranteed Rate Field.”

“We are incredibly honored and excited to be part of the White Sox family,” said Victor Ciardelli, president and CEO of Guaranteed Rate. “It really is a dream come true to have the Guaranteed Rate name on a hometown Chicago ballpark.”