After $3 Billion Setback, Alex Rodriguez Bets Big on Anthony Edwards for Timberwolves’ Future Profits

Few seasons ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves were a lottery franchise. The small market team were desperate to land the number one pick in each draft. They got the honor twice, drafting Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, two superstars who would transform the franchise. Their brilliance is now reflected almost five years later. The Wolves have become a pack and the winning culture is slowly settling in. However, that’s not the only change they have gone through.

In 2021, MLB great Alex Rodriguez partnered up with billionaire Marc Lore to purchase the Timberwolves from Glen Taylor. The sale was agreed to be finalized through multiple transactions with a value set for $1.5 billion. Since then, there has been trouble in the transfer of ownership with the parties moving towards arbitration. Rodriguez has previously lost a sports franchise to businessman Stev Cohen who completed the purchase of the New York Mets last year for $2.4 billion. The team is now worth $3 billion.

Despite that, Rodriguez has actively involved himself as the minority owner of the Wolves. He is spotted speaking highly of the players, especially Ant Man who he has specifically praised on multiple occasions. The 22-year-old is becoming such an addictive talent, that even Rodriguez can’t help himself. But that’s the story of today. What might have really pushed the now successful investor into buying such a small-market NBA franchise?

Recently, Rodriguez invited his partner Lore on his ‘The Deal’ podcast and spoke about the priorities they chose which drove them to buy the franchise.

Alex Rodriguez and Lore are focused on the long-term

Typically, it is all about numbers for an investor. Profitability of a company is supposedly the most vital stat to view when deciding to invest in a company. Ultimately, that warrants the prospect of multiplying one’s money. However, Rodriguez and Lore were ready to spray cash into the Timberwolves when they decided to buy the franchise.

“I don’t think we’ve ever talked about revenues,” said Lore on the podcast. Upon explanation, the billionaire claimed their attention was always on the inputs of the franchise. Maybe that comes with better facilities for the players, trading for the right stars, in general looking out for the people before craving profits.

“I think in order to create a sustainable culture of winning and eventually profit over a long, sustained period of time, you have to make the right investments in the inputs that will lead to the outputs. Maybe not today, because it’s an investment, but five or 10 or 20 years down the road,” Lore explained.

As of last season, the Timberwolves ranked second last in terms of revenue generated. They accumulated $259 million in earnings according to Statista. However, Taylor and his team had done an amazing job of preparing for the future. The 2021 hiring of Chris Flinch was the first step. His hard-nosed and tenacious leadership provided direction to the franchise.

Anthony Edwards’ progression into becoming one of the NBA’s most loved talents saw the franchise’s hope take palpable form. Trades for Rudy Gobert and the development of the core have now placed the franchise one game away from a Western Conference Finals appearance. It will only be their second time in franchise history.

Lore identified the recipe for success behind the franchise and has done a remarkable job along with Rodriguez to turn the fortunes of the franchise around.