The Minnesota Timberwolves ownership dispute is entering mediation, with the first session set for May 1. This meeting will determine whether Glen Taylor retains control of the team or transfers it to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. Lore and Rodriguez vehemently oppose Taylor’s decision to withdraw from the deal, claiming they met the deadline for the final payment. They accuse Taylor of seller’s remorse, as the value of the Timberwolves has increased since the agreement was reached.
Taylor initially announced his intention to pull out of the deal in March, citing a change of heart due to the team’s success during the 2022-23 season. However, Lore and Rodriguez argue that they are entitled to a 90-day extension and submitted the necessary paperwork by the March 27 deadline.
Commissioner Adam Silver has stated that the league likely will not intervene in the dispute. He has suggested that the NBA may consider changing its rules regarding such transactions to prevent similar conflicts in the future.
Lore, an e-commerce entrepreneur, and Rodriguez, a former Major League Baseball star, agreed to purchase the Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx WNBA franchise in 2021 for $1.5 billion. Taylor, who bought the team in 1994 for $88 million, structured the deal in phases to mentor Lore and Rodriguez.
Despite the dispute, Taylor, Lore, and Rodriguez were seen speaking cordially at a recent Timberwolves playoff game. Taylor and his wife occupied their usual seats next to the bench, while Lore and Rodriguez sat across the court with their guests.
