Timberwolves fetch $4.5 billion valuation after Lakers sale: What Marc Stad’s takeover means for A-Rod

The Minnesota Timberwolves are changing hands again, and the latest transaction could significantly reshape Alex Rodriguez’s role with the franchise.

Businessman Marc Stad is set to become the Timberwolves’ controlling owner and largest shareholder after agreeing to purchase most of Marc Lore’s stake in a deal valuing the NBA team and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx at $4.5 billion.

The transaction still requires approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors, which is expected to consider it at its September meetings.

The announcement comes shortly after the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a record $12.5 billion sale to Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger . That valuation is almost three times the Timberwolves’ latest price, highlighting the enormous financial gap between the NBA’s most valuable brands and smaller-market franchises.

Stad’s arrival doesn’t mean an exit for Rodriguez . Instead, the former MLB star plans to increase his equity stake while taking on an expanded leadership role.

He’ll remain alternate governor of the Timberwolves and governor of the Lynx, while Stad’s wife, Elisa Stad , is expected to become the Timberwolves’ governor.

What Stad’s takeover means for Rodriguez

The new arrangement appears designed to preserve continuity rather than trigger another wholesale change. Lore will remain a minority investor after reducing his ownership to concentrate on his Wonder Group business and its planned IPO push.

Rodriguez , meanwhile, will have a larger financial commitment and is expected to spend more time around the teams.

That’s a notable development because Rodriguez and Lore only completed their purchase of the Timberwolves last year, following a 2021 agreement that valued the franchise at $1.5 billion. The new $4.5 billion valuation represents a remarkable increase in just a few years and ranks among the largest franchise transactions in NBA history.

Stad isn’t an outsider, either. The founder and managing partner of Dragoneer Investment Group was already a significant minority investor in the Timberwolves and Lynx.

He’s also previously invested in the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. His familiarity with the organization should make the transition less disruptive, with Minnesota’s existing basketball leadership expected to remain in place.

That continuity could be particularly important given the progress made under Rodriguez and Lore . The Timberwolves have reached the playoffs in each of the five seasons since the duo first bought into the franchise, advancing to the Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025.

Before their arrival, Minnesota had won just two playoff series in franchise history.

The team is now built around Anthony Edwards and recently made an aggressive move for LaMelo Ball , creating a potentially explosive backcourt. Ownership has also shown a willingness to spend into the luxury tax while pursuing championship ambitions.

The Lynx are another major asset. Under longtime coach Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota has won four WNBA championships and remains one of the league’s strongest teams.

This deal appears to mean that Rodriguez will have more of a say in matters. His ownership stake is increasing, his responsibilities are expanding, and he’ll remain closely involved as Minnesota enters another important chapter.

The biggest change is that Stad will now have final control, but A-Rod isn’t being pushed aside.