“Just having that wide variety and new challenges, new events, and bigger shows, it’s good stuff.” Tom Reller, the senior director of operations for the Target Center, once recalled what it was like to transform the floor of the arena into an ice rink, highlighting his awe for the multi-purpose use of the court. Built in 1990 for $104 million, the Target Center remains the 2nd oldest venue in the NBA circle after Madison Square Garden, having hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves for almost three-and-a-half decades.

The past few years have brought with it several renovations to the arena, along with the “most affordable lower-level season tickets in the league,” all to make the experience better for the thousands of basketball fans. However, amidst several franchises having made a change in their home arenas since the last decade, are the Timberwolves also set to follow the trend?

Rumors swirled after reports suggested they had partnered with the $680 billion worth U.S. Bancorp to make a major renovation to a court at Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis. Fortunately, this is not something that Wolves fans need to worry about.

Are the Minnesota Timberwolves leaving Target Center?

The short answer is: No. The contribution made to renovate the court is a part of the Timberwolves’ “Our Courts. Our Future” program. Meanwhile, the Sabathani Community Center is not a new playing arena, but the place that hosts one of the oldest African-American-founded nonprofits. Since 2017, the Timberwolves have been working alongside other partners to refurbish courts, either outdoors or indoors, as part of the program. For this year, they chose the decades-old place since, as highlighted in the official statement, it “demonstrates our commitment to the communities where we live, work, and play.”

The U.S. Bank itself highlighted the importance of their work at the Sabathani Community Center, stating, “These court renovations are an important investment in our youth, which is our future. We are proud to continue to support this work in our communities.” To unveil the renovated court through a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Timberwolves had invited Naz Reid to do the honors.

The Sabathani Community Center renovation is the fifth indoor court undertaken as part of the “Our Courts. Our Future.” Program. Previously, they had worked to improve things over at the East Side Boys & Girls Club (an initiative for which Shaquille O’Neal serves as a spokesperson), Jerry Gamble Boys & Girls Club, Southside Village Boys & Girls Club and Hospitality House.

Therefore, instead of having spent the money on a new arena, at least for now, Glen Taylor’s franchise has taken another step in their mission to unite communities through the power of sport, along with supporting youth development programs, on and off the court. All of this, however, doesn’t mean that the idea to shift the Wolves’ home base hasn’t crossed their minds.

Will the Timberwolves abandon the Target Center in the foreseeable future?

Despite the historical significance their arena holds, the Timberwolves have not been happy with the Target Center for some time. The major issue has revolved around the fact that it carries an unusual layout, with more seats being on the upper level than on the lower level. Despite proper ticket demand the team has to block off 1,000 seats on the upper level in the regular season. Even if the upper levels are opened for the playoffs, they are too narrow to allow fans to access, let alone food and beverage points or even have someone else serve them. The Target Center occupies only 3.43 acres of land, which is the smallest footprint for any NBA arena.

As of now, they’ve not disclosed any official plan to shift. However, politicians have not distanced themselves too much with the issues around the Target Center. According to the Minnesota Reformer, the city council would rather spend taxpayer money on solving issues related to the city. They’d be willing to spend cash some for a new arena, if it meant keeping the franchise within Minneapolis itself.

MLB legend Alex Rodriguez and business partner Marc Lore, who were set to acquire majority ownership of the Timberwolves, had proposed one plan earlier. They were “targeting land adjacent to the Minneapolis Farmers market at 312 East Lyndale Avenue North.” A-Rod made the plan under the belief that “This team will never leave here. We’re going to build down the street.” Given the tensions between the duo and Glen Taylor, however, this plan may take some time to be officially confirmed.

Similarly to the city council, the Timberwolves franchise also has their priorities elsewhere. With a total cap allocation of $237.7 million for the 2024-25 season, the team is way over the luxury tax and apron limits, making them vulnerable to numerous fines. Therefore, spending money on an arena may not be a priority at the moment.

With the Warriors having made a shift to the Chase Center a couple of years ago, and even the LA Clippers now possessing a state-of-the-art arena, the Timberwolves may soon have to catch up with the changing times. However, that time is not right now.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.