Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ ongoing ownership transfer has concluded. Glen Taylor is out after decades in charge, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are in. The NBA Board of Governors approved the sale by a unanimous vote. The process, which started years ago with the first installment in the unorthodox payment plan, was full of setbacks, disagreements, and public statements. However, in the end, Lore and Rodriguez walk away with full ownership at a bargain price compared to other recent NBA franchise sales.
New Timberwolves Ownership Brings an Exciting New Era to Minnesota
Since the very beginning, Taylor was only willing to sell the team to new owners who promised to keep the team in Minnesota. When Rodriguez emerged as part of the group looking to purchase, there was fear amongst the fan base. Rodriguez, popularly known as A-Rod, is a former MLB star who began his career in Seattle, which has been a top destination for the NBA to return to after the Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. However, Lore and Rodriguez have insisted they are committed to the Twin Cities and want to build a successful franchise here in Minnesota. They reinforced this today, stating they will bring a “drive to create a winning culture in Minnesota.”
Lore and Rodriguez Must Hire Talent
On June 20th, Timberwolves (and Lynx) CEO Ethan Casson and COO Ryan Tanke stepped down from their positions. They announced their resignation as the sale of the team concluded. The two were facilitators in the purchase and had both been with the team for over a decade. As Lore and Rodriguez step into their new roles as majority owners, hiring a CEO and COO to run the logistics of the franchises will be a top priority. For the new ownership to succeed, the Timberwolves need to have competent talent throughout the organization.
Timberwolves Need a New Home
The Target Center, where Minnesota plays in the heart of Minneapolis, is the second oldest arena in the NBA, trailing only historic Madison Square Garden. Since opening in 1990, Target Center has undergone a few renovations, but lacks the amenities that many newer buildings feature. For the Wolves to market to become an attractive free agency destination, a new arena will be necessary. Minnesotans have paid taxes towards many new stadiums in the past 15 years.
The Twins’ Target Field, the Vikings’ US Bank Stadium, and MNUFC’s Allianz Field were all taxpayer-funded. Locals are likely tired of seeing tax increases for stadiums, but the new owners have publicly stated a desire to privately fund the new Wolves home. Lore is an expert in fundraising. Rodriguez brings a unique draw for potential investors as a former superstar athlete himself. A privately funded new arena for the Timberwolves would be a huge win for the new ownership group.
Ownership Change Could Lead to Timberwolves Wins
The Lore and Rodriguez ownership begins with a team coming off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. The building blocks, headlined by Anthony Edwards, are strong. The coaching staff has earned their respect. The franchise has never had such a positive future in front of them. All they need to do is facilitate the growth of Edwards, and they will quickly earn the trust and favor of a Minnesotan fan base desperate for success. The state has not had a major men’s champion since the Twins won the World Series in 1991. An NBA Championship would mean the world to Minnesota. It’s on Lore and Rodriguez to put the pieces in place.
Featured image: © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
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