“The only thing more important than winning is breathing,” Alex Rodriguez recalled, a lesson from the late George Steinbrenner that will guide his ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rodriguez, alongside Marc Lore, has officially taken the reins of the Timberwolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx after a protracted four-year acquisition process.
During a recent appearance at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Rodriguez reflected on his transition from baseball to basketball ownership. “I spent the last 40 years studying baseball. I still study baseball every day. I love it,” he stated, acknowledging that while much of his baseball knowledge may not directly apply, key elements like culture and player treatment are universal.
Change is on the horizon for the Timberwolves. The duo introduced a new ticketing platform called Jump, which allows fans to bid on premium seats when they become available. This innovative approach aims to enhance fan engagement and accessibility.
Plans for a new arena are also in discussion, alongside efforts to reconcile with former Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett, who has been distanced from the franchise. “We want to fix that,” Rodriguez affirmed, emphasizing their commitment to reconnecting with the team's legacy.
“As a startup founder, it’s all about innovation,” Lore added, highlighting their intent to disrupt conventional practices in sports management. “We’ve got a clean slate here to rethink how things are done.”
The journey to ownership began over four years ago when Lore and Rodriguez approached Glen Taylor about selling the team. Rodriguez, whose career was marred by performance-enhancing drug controversies, expressed gratitude for his partnership with Lore. “I made some incredible mistakes and I hurt myself more than anything,” he admitted, reflecting on his past while looking forward to their new venture.
The $1.5 billion deal with Taylor was finalized amid soaring NBA franchise valuations. Despite the potential for immediate profit, Rodriguez and Lore are committed to building a sustainable team. “If you know Marc and I, we just never give up,” Rodriguez said, underscoring their determination.
Lore emphasized their complementary skills in problem-solving, stating that their collaboration often leads to better outcomes than working alone. “Sometimes it’s lonely when you’re doing it alone,” he noted, appreciating the partnership dynamic.
Recent record-breaking sales in the NBA highlight the lucrative nature of sports franchises. With valuations skyrocketing—like the Boston Celtics at $6.1 billion and the Los Angeles Lakers at $10 billion—Rodriguez and Lore see their acquisition as a strategic opportunity.
“This is not a hobby,” Rodriguez declared. “This is the most important thing in my life, outside of my family.” His passion mirrors Steinbrenner’s approach to building a winning team. With young talent like Anthony Edwards on their roster, the Timberwolves are poised for future success.
“George gave himself as many possibilities as possible,” Rodriguez concluded, expressing their shared commitment to winning and making fans proud.
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