The NBA announced Tuesday that its Board of Governors has unanimously approved the sale of controlling interest in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx to business duo Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. The transaction is expected to close later this week, marking a new era for the two professional franchises.
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez’s story is one of ambition, vision, and leadership. From humble beginnings to owning two of Minnesota’s most iconic sports franchises, they bring a fresh and committed outlook that promises to usher in a transformative era-grounded in excellence, innovation, and deep respect for the community.
A Historic Shift: Lore and Rodriguez Take Full Control
Since 2021, Lore and Rodriguez had been acquiring minority stakes under longtime owner Glen Taylor. With final league approval, they now officially assume full leadership not only of the Timberwolves (NBA) and Lynx (WNBA), but also of the Iowa Wolves, the G League affiliate.
Marc Lore will serve as the Governor of the Timberwolves (official NBA representative), with Alex Rodriguez acting as Alternate Governor. For the Lynx, the roles will be reversed: Rodriguez as Governor and Lore as Alternate.The duo will act as Co-Chairmen, leading the strategic and cultural direction of the organization.
Who is Marc Lore?
Marc Lore is a visionary serial entrepreneur known for reinventing e-commerce:
- Founder and CEO of Wonder, a next-generation food tech and delivery platform.
- Founder of Jet.com, sold to Walmart for $3.3 billion.
- Former President and CEO of U.S. eCommerce at Walmart (2016-2021).
- Co-founder of Quidsi/Diapers.com, sold to Amazon.
- Visionary behind the proposed utopian smart city project Telosa.
Beyond his business background, Lore is a passionate sports fan and a performance-obsessed leader, known for applying analytical models and startup principles to the world of professional sports.
“We are honored to lead the Timberwolves and Lynx into a bold and exciting new era. Today marks a momentous milestone for us, and we fully recognize the great responsibility that comes with serving as stewards of these exceptional franchises. We are committed to building an organization that sets the standard for excellence, is universally admired, and rooted in pride that spans generations”, said Lore in a press release.
Who is Alex Rodriguez?
Alex Rodriguez, known globally as “A-Rod,” is a baseball legend turned successful businessman:
- 14-time All-Star and 2009 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees.
- Founder of A-Rod Corp, a real estate investment and development firm.
- Proven private equity investor, with multiple successful exits in various sectors.
- Public figure, sports commentator, and committed philanthropist.
What’s Next for Minnesota?
Glen Taylor, who bought the Timberwolves in 1994 for $88 million and founded the Lynx in 1999, concludes over three decades as principal owner. Under his leadership, Minnesota grew into a respected NBA and WNBA market. Taylor will retain a minority stake in the franchise.
Under Lore and Rodriguez’s new leadership, the Timberwolves-now valued at over $3 billion-and the championship-winning Lynx are expected to see a new wave of investment and ambition.
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