After more than three decades as a prominent figure in Minnesota sports, Glen Taylor is ceding ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. The completion of the sale to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez marks the end of an era that began in 1994 when Taylor purchased the teams to keep them from relocating.
In February 2024, while spending time in Naples, Florida, Taylor reflected on the impending transition during an interview. At the time, the Timberwolves, led by young star Anthony Edwards, were enjoying a season that had generated the most optimism around the NBA franchise in 20 years. Though the sale was nearing completion, Taylor maintained a sense of readiness.
The Path to Sale Finalization
The process for Lore and Rodriguez to acquire the franchises for $1.5 billion was structured over several years, involving incremental payments and minority stake acquisitions starting in 2021. However, the path wasn’t entirely smooth. A dispute arose in March 2024 when Taylor sought to cancel the sale of the remaining stake, alleging missed payment deadlines. This disagreement led to arbitration.
Ultimately, in February 2025, an arbitration panel ruled 2-1 in favor of Lore and Rodriguez, clearing the path for them to complete the purchase. The sale received unanimous approval from the NBA Board of Governors on June 24, 2025, officially concluding Taylor’s 31-year tenure.
Taylor expressed acceptance of the outcome. When asked about the NBA’s approval process, he stated, “In a couple of weeks. I’m OK with it. I’m ready.”
A Legacy of Ownership: Highs and Lows
Glen Taylor bought the Timberwolves and the expansion Lynx for $94 million in August 1994 from original owners Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner. His explicit motivation was to prevent the team from moving to New Orleans.
His time at the helm saw significant milestones and challenges:
Building with KG: A pivotal moment came in 1995 with the drafting of high school phenom Kevin Garnett, laying the foundation for the team’s first era of success.
Playoff Streaks: The Timberwolves reached the NBA playoffs for eight consecutive seasons starting in 1997, though they faced early exits for several years.
The Peak: The 2003-04 season marked the Wolves’ greatest NBA success under Taylor, advancing to the Western Conference Finals behind Garnett, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Sprewell, before ultimately losing.
Long Drought: Following the 2004 season, the Timberwolves entered a challenging period, missing the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons.
Key Decisions: Taylor reflected on difficult choices, including firing Flip Saunders in 2005, calling it the “Biggest mistake I ever made in basketball,” and later bringing him back (the “Best thing I did”). He also admitted missteps in hires like David Kahn and noting Tom Thibodeau struggled with relationships despite initial positive impressions.
Controversy: The Joe Smith contract scandal in 2000 resulted in significant league penalties. Despite being in the hospital for heart surgery when the under-the-table deal occurred, Taylor took responsibility, stating, “It’s on me; I’m the boss.”
Dynasty on the Hardwood: The Minnesota Lynx
Taylor often expressed immense pride in his ownership of the Minnesota Lynx, who joined the WNBA as an expansion franchise in 1998. Under coach Cheryl Reeve, hired in 2009, the Lynx built a dynasty. Key acquisitions like trading for Lindsay Whalen and drafting Maya Moore fueled their success. The Lynx appeared in seven WNBA Finals under Taylor, winning four championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017). Taylor praised Reeve as “tremendous” and singled out Maya Moore not just as the “best player in the world,” but an even “better person,” recalling personal anecdotes like Moore helping with dishes after a team dinner.
Looking Ahead
The sale price of $1.5 billion represents a substantial return on Taylor’s initial investment, though it’s noted that recent market valuations for NBA franchises have soared, with teams like the Lakers valued significantly higher ($10 billion) and even the Timberwolves themselves estimated by Forbes at $3.1 billion. This perspective has led to discussions about funding improvements or potentially a new arena, given the favorable purchase price for the new owners relative to market value.
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez have consistently stated their commitment to keeping both the Timberwolves and Lynx in Minnesota and pursuing championships. Their tenure begins as the Timberwolves navigate the NBA draft and upcoming free agency, with decisions looming on key players. The team recently operated over the league’s second apron, resulting in a luxury tax payment by Taylor exceeding $85 million, highlighting the financial commitment required for contention.
As Glen Taylor transitions away from ownership, he retains tickets to both Timberwolves and Lynx games, ensuring he can still follow the teams he helped shape for over three decades. His acceptance of the sale marks the formal conclusion of his lengthy chapter in Minnesota professional sports.
