The long and winding road to new ownership in Minnesota has finally reached its destination. After more than four years of negotiations, delays, and legal challenges, the NBA has officially cleared the way for a historic transition. NBA owners give unanimous approval to the $1.5 billion sale of the Timberwolves and WNBA’s Lynx from Taylor to the Lore-Rodriguez group, marking one of the most closely watched franchise deals in recent league history.
NBA Gives Its Final Green Light
The NBA’s board of governors, made up of all 30 team owners, voted unanimously this week to approve the sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves from longtime owner Glen Taylor to an investment group led by tech entrepreneur Marc Lore and former MLB superstar Alex Rodriguez. The agreement also includes the four-time WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx, making it one of the most significant dual-franchise transactions the league has seen.
The deal, first struck in April 2021, is finally expected to close this week—nearly 51 months after it was originally signed. The drawn-out process was complicated by a legal battle last year when Taylor attempted to cancel the sale, claiming the buyers missed a key payment deadline. An arbitration panel later ruled in favor of Lore and Rodriguez, clearing the last major hurdle.
Who Will Run the Teams?
The Timberwolves plan to introduce their new owners during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas next month. Under the league’s governance structure, Marc Lore will serve as the Timberwolves’ governor, with Alex Rodriguez as the alternate. For the Lynx, Rodriguez will take on the role of governor, while Lore will act as alternate.
In a joint statement, Lore emphasized their commitment to Minnesota, saying they view the teams as more than just business assets. He described their goal as building organizations that stand for excellence, pride, and long-term community impact.
Rodriguez echoed that sentiment, noting how deeply sports have shaped his life. He said he is eager to help create a winning culture in Minnesota, one that inspires both fans and the broader community.
From Taylor’s Legacy to a New Vision
Glen Taylor, now 83, has been one of the NBA’s longest-tenured owners. He purchased the Timberwolves in 1994 for about $88 million, largely to prevent the team from relocating out of Minnesota. Four years later, he also brought the Lynx into the WNBA, helping establish one of the league’s most successful franchises.
When Lore and Rodriguez first approached Taylor about buying the teams, the agreement was designed in stages so Taylor could remain involved as a mentor during the transition. However, as NBA franchise values skyrocketed, tensions rose. The Timberwolves are now valued at more than $3 billion by major sports business publications, more than double their worth when the deal was signed.
After Taylor attempted to back out of the sale in March 2024, Lore and Rodriguez accused him of seller’s remorse. They argued that any payment delays were caused by the league’s lengthy approval process, not a lack of commitment. Arbitration ultimately sided with the buyers, allowing them to move forward with full control.
A Farewell to the Taylor Era
Earlier this week, Glen and Becky Taylor published an emotional farewell message, thanking players, staff, partners, and fans for three decades of support. They reflected on saving the Timberwolves from relocation in 1994 and adding the Lynx in 1998 as part of their belief in women’s sports and the power of basketball to unite communities.
Although they are stepping away from ownership, the Taylors made it clear their connection to the teams remains strong. They said they will always be fans, cheering from the stands and believing in the future of Minnesota basketball.
What Comes Next?
For Lore and Rodriguez, this marks the beginning of a new chapter. Lore, a billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of the food-tech company Wonder, has a long track record in e-commerce, having previously sold companies to Walmart and Amazon. Rodriguez brings star power, business experience, and a lifelong passion for sports.
With league approval now secured, Minnesota fans can finally look ahead. After years of uncertainty, the Timberwolves and Lynx are entering a fresh era of ownership—one that promises stability, ambition, and a renewed focus on building championship-caliber organizations for the generations to come.
