The Minnesota Timberwolves have hired Matthew Caldwell as the new CEO on a 10-year contract. Caldwell comes over to the Wolves from the NHL’s Florida Panthers and becomes the first major hire of the ownership tenure of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.
“Our vision is for the Timberwolves and Lynx to set a new standard of excellence in pro sports, and we’re confident that Matthew is the leader needed to make that a reality,” Lore and Rodriguez said in a statement issued by the team.
Caldwell initially joined the Panthers as chief operating officer in 2014 and was promoted to CEO in 2016.
Panthers owner Vincent Viola said Caldwell helped “instill a culture of excellence.”
“There are very few opportunities I would advise him to pursue, but working with Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore on a global platform like the NBA is at the top of that list,” Viola said in a statement provided by the Panthers. “It’s tremendously bittersweet for our family, but we recognize this is an exceptional opportunity and great next step in his career. Matt’s impact on our organization has been immeasurable, and he leaves with our respect and gratitude.”