• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 24, 2025

A-Rod and Lore’s Timberwolves Ownership Plans Still on Track

  • The duo currently owns 40% of the NBA team and its WNBA counterpart.
  • A March 31 deadline to acquire a further 40% was in danger of being missed.
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are supposed to become the majority owners of the Timberwolves by the end of this month, and, despite a wrench getting thrown into their plans over the last 24 hours, it looks like the long-awaited transition of power will still take place.

Dyal HomeCourt Partners, the division of global asset management firm Blue Owl that owns minority stakes in the Hawks and Kings, will help fund Rodriguez and Lore’s acquisition of a second 40% stake in Minnesota that will make the pair controlling investors, according to The Athletic. The news should clear up the confusion that arose Tuesday night when it looked as if controlling interest in the Timberwolves may end up staying with longtime governor Glen Taylor, at least for a little while longer, due to some complex financing issues.

Here’s What Happened

In 2021, Rodriguez and Lore agreed to purchase Minnesota, as well as the WNBA’s Lynx, in a multistep deal that valued the franchises at a collective $1.5 billion. The duo has already acquired 40% of the teams but had to delay the completion of the acquisition of the next 40%, via a $600 million payment, from Dec. 31 to March 31. On Tuesday, Taylor gave an update on the process to Minnesota sports reporter David Shama: “They had an equity group that was going to come in and put in $300 million, and that equity group has either withdrawn or the NBA has denied them. They have to go out and find new revenue. That I do know. I don’t know if they found it or what they’re going to do. We haven’t seen the schedule of ownership yet.”

The financier Taylor referenced is private equity firm Carlyle Group, which was cofounded by David Rubenstein, the billionaire who is leading the $1.75 billion purchase of the Baltimore Orioles. (The Maryland Stadium Authority actually just signed off on the sale Wednesday.) Carlyle is also part of the group that just bought the NWSL’s Seattle Reign FC for $58 million (the group includes the MLS club Seattle Sounders.) 

Despite some reports to the contrary, the NBA, in a statement to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, denied that the league had blocked Carlyle’s deal to help fund the Timberwolves purchase. Carlyle had been said to be investing at a $2.3 billion valuation for Minnesota—about $800 million more than the team was worth when Rodriguez and Lore struck the initial deal. In January, The Wall Street Journal pegged Rodriguez’s net worth to be just under $500 million, and Lore’s at $3.3 billion. 

But now, with the backing of Dyal, Lore and Rodriguez are ready to close the sale as soon as the NBA approves it, per The Athletic’s report. That shouldn’t be long, considering Dyal is already preapproved through its investments in the Hawks and Kings. A representative for Rodriguez did not immediately return a request by Front Office Sports for comment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NC State women's cross country

Judge Threatens to Reject $2.8 Billion House v. NCAA Settlement

The NCAA and power conferences could end up at trial.
Cristina Daglas
exclusive

ESPN Executive Editor Cristina Daglas Out After HR Investigation

Daglas was placed on administrative leave in January.
Flau'jae Johnson
exclusive

Flau’jae Johnson Says She Will Return to LSU

The transfer portal closed Wednesday.
FuboTV signage

Disney’s Fubo Takeover Now Faces DOJ Antitrust Review

The deal struck by the ESPN parent company could be in jeopardy.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
March 4, 2025

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.
February 18, 2025

Tiger Woods Signs First PGA Tour Player to Wear Sun Day Red

Karl Vilips will wear Sun Day Red at his season debut at the Mexico Open.
Teammates embrace during matchup in The Hundred cricket league
February 15, 2025

Google, Microsoft, Adobe CEOs Buy Stakes in Cricket League

The England and Wales Cricket Board raised £520m by selling team stakes.