Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf has been in charge of the team for over 30 years, and on Monday he was recognized for his accomplishments and named as part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016.
Reinsdorf, who purchased the Bulls in 1985, has overseen the franchise through good times and bad, but his crowning achievement came during the 1990’s when the team won six championships, thanks to players like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
The Bulls owner is among 10 notable figures going into the Hall of Fame this year. Former players Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson were both selected into the Hall in their first year of eligibility, and Chinese standout Yao Ming was also tabbed for induction on Monday.
Reinsdorf has overseen many of the biggest advances in the history of the Bulls’ organization, including the decision to hire Jerry Krause as the team’s General Manager in the 1980’s and the joint venture with the Chicago Blackhawks to build the United Center in 1994. That arena, where the Bulls still play, was the largest in America at the time of its completion, and has seen the Bulls sell out most of their games since it opened for the 1994-95 season.
Reinsdorf also owns the Chicago White Sox, having purchased the team from Bill Veeck in 1981. The team also built a new stadium under his guidance, and they’ve also won a championship with him at the helm, capturing the 2005 World Series title.
