The Minnesota Timberwolves are owned by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who completed a $1.5 billion acquisition in June 2025. CNBC’s 2026 valuations place the franchise at $3.8 billion.
- CNBC 2026 valuation: $3.8 billion, 29th of 30 NBA teams.
- Purchase price: $1.5 billion, agreed April 2021.
- Glen Taylor bought the team in 1994 for $88 million.
- Bloomberg (net worth $105 billion) joined as minority partner.
- Annual revenue: $339 million.
How the Minnesota Timberwolves Got Their Name
The name came from a fan contest when Minneapolis received an expansion team in 1989. The timber wolf is native to Minnesota’s forests, and the name has remained unchanged.
Timberwolves Ownership Transfer and Sale History
In April 2021, Glen Taylor agreed to sell at $1.5 billion in four installments. The first two totaled $500 million for 36%.
Taylor called off the sale in March 2024 over alleged missed deadlines. Arbitration ruled 2-1 for the buyers in February 2025. The NBA approved the sale on June 24, 2025. The Lakers’ ownership transition later that year followed a similar path.
Who Owns the Timberwolves
Lore acts as NBA Governor and Rodriguez as Alternate Governor. For the Lynx, those titles are reversed. Minority investors include Bloomberg, Schmidt, and Blue Owl Capital.
The Timberwolves Origin, Founders and Early Years
The NBA awarded an expansion franchise to Minneapolis in 1987. Harvey Ratner and Marv Wolfenson led the original group. By the mid-1990s the franchise faced relocation. Glen Taylor purchased it in 1994 for $88 million and kept it in Minneapolis for 31 years, citing local identity — similar to the Packers’ community ownership.
Largest Shareholders of the Timberwolves
Marc Lore
- Co-Chairman, Governor
- Net worth: ~$2.9 billion
- Founded Jet.com (Walmart) and Quidsi (Amazon)
Alex Rodriguez
- Co-Chairman, Alternate Governor
- 14-time MLB All-Star
- Founder of A-Rod Corp
Michael Bloomberg
- Minority investor (joined 2024)
- Net worth: ~$105 billion
- Former NYC Mayor
Eric Schmidt
- Minority investor
- Net worth: ~$23 billion
- Former Google CEO
Timberwolves Board of Directors and Key Executives
Basketball Operations
Tim Connelly
Hired in 2022 from Denver. Built the roster that reached back-to-back Conference Finals.
Chris Finch
Hired in 2021. Led Minnesota to its first playoff series win since 2004.
Business Operations
Kelly Laferriere
Named interim CEO after Ethan Casson departed in June 2025.
Timberwolves Products and Services
Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
- Home: Target Center, Minneapolis
- Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025
Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)
- Four-time champions
Iowa Wolves (G League)
- Development affiliate, Des Moines
Jump Ticketing
- Launched 2025, fans bid on seats
The Timberwolves Mission Under New Ownership
Lore and Rodriguez want to build a championship franchise, repair ties with Kevin Garnett, and replace Target Center. They launched Jump, a mid-game ticketing platform, and are exploring a regional sports network — a direct-distribution approach similar to Nike’s consumer strategy.
Timberwolves Franchise Valuation
The $1.5 billion purchase from 2021 is now a fraction of current worth. Forbes estimated $3.6 billion in October 2025 and CNBC placed it at $3.8 billion in February 2026, driven by the NBA’s $76 billion media deal.
FAQs
Who owns the Timberwolves?
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez own the Timberwolves after completing a $1.5 billion acquisition in June 2025.
What is the net worth of the Timberwolves?
CNBC valued the Timberwolves at $3.8 billion in February 2026, ranking them 29th among 30 NBA teams.
Is the Timberwolves an American franchise?
Yes. The Minnesota Timberwolves are based in Minneapolis and compete in the NBA’s Western Conference.
When did the Timberwolves franchise begin?
The NBA awarded Minneapolis an expansion franchise in 1987. The team played its first game in the 1989-90 season.
What is the Timberwolves market cap in 2026?
As a privately held franchise, the Timberwolves have no public market cap. CNBC’s 2026 valuation estimated $3.8 billion.
