Official: NBA Owners Approve Sale of Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA: Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

It’s been a long road to get to this point, but after some chatter recently that the vote was finally coming, the news went official late Tuesday afternoon. The sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves from Glen Taylor to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez has been approved by an NBA owners.

Minnesota Timberwolves sale to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez approved by NBA Owners

According to the both the team and league‘s press release, the newest members of the NBA’s exclusive owners club will serve as Timberwolves Co-Chairmen, with Lore serving as the organization’s primary “Governor” and A-Rod as “Alternate Governor”. Of note, the two will swap roles, when it comes to the WNBA’s Lynx.

As the new controlling owners, Lore and Rodriguez will assume full leadership responsibility for the Timberwolves, Lynx and Iowa Wolves (G League). They will serve as Co-Chairmen, with Lore assuming the role of Timberwolves Governor and Rodriguez as Alternate Governor.

For the Lynx, Rodriguez will serve as Governor while Lore will act as Alternate Governor. This milestone, made official by the NBA’s Board of Governors’ approval, marks the culmination of the gradual transfer of ownership from longtime General Partner Glen Taylor.

Minnesota Timberwolves press release

We do not yet know exactly what the vote count was, but Darren Wolfson (KSTP) reported on SKOR North Tuesday that, if the vote didn’t wind up being unanimous, it’s possible Glen Taylor would get one “No” vote, to Lore and A-Rod taking over, likely by the Pacers.

Lore + A-Rod partnership remains very strong

What stands out about today’s news isn’t the approval, itself. Instead, it’s how included Alex Rodriguez is in the announcement. We know Lore has been committed to A-Rod as the public face of this new ownership group, but it’s believed that Marc owns by far the largest share of anyone.

Still, the way this is being relayed… it’s being made very, very clear that — no matter what his ownership percentage is (which isn’t exactly clear at this point) — he will remain at the forefront of every decision this new group makes.

Over the past four years as limited partners, Lore and Rodriguez have championed a forward-thinking, long-term vision focused on establishing the most respected and admired franchises in professional sports. Their approach prioritizes investment in high-character individuals, business innovation, player development, and best-in-class fan experiences—while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the Twin Cities community.

Minnesota Timberwolves press release

Related: Timberwolves Open to Moving Up in NBA Draft

This ends a 31-year run of ownership for Glen Taylor. The officially soon-to-be former owner bought the franchise in 1994, essentially saving an NBA franchise that had nearly been sold to a group wanting to move the team to New Orleans just months earlier.

Of course, by the time he sold the Minnesota Timberwolves — then spent years fighting to get it back — he overstayed his welcome with most of the fanbase. From under-the-table deals gone wrong to hall of fame former players that want nothing to do with the organization… Taylor’s time had come and gone long ago.

Now, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez will strive for a new arena somewhere in the Twin Cities. How much they are willing to pay will likely dictate how successful they are in making that dream come true. Either way, there is pretty much zero chance the Timberwolves are moved out of Minnesota now, or anytime in the future.

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