New Timberwolves, Lynx owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez state intentions to keep organization in Minnesota

Aug. 5—New Timberwolves and Lynx shareholders Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez went on the record with The Athletic to state their long-term intentions to keep the franchise in Minnesota.

The duo completed the acquisition of a 20-percent stake of the organization last month, a $250 million purchase — making them the second-largest shareholders behind Glen and Becky Taylor — and are slated to become the controlling owners within the next two years.

Since news broke that Lore and Rodriguez were the prospective next owners of the organization, many fans raised concerns that the team could be moved. But that doesn't seem to be the intention of the new owners.

Rodriguez told The Athletic he views the Twin Cities market as "a huge asset," and that he and Lore likely wouldn't have been as excited about another ownership opportunity in a different city. He said Minneapolis was one of his favorite stops during his Major League Baseball career.

"Marc and I love the town. Long term, our vision is Minnesota all the way," Rodriguez told The Athletic. "We love it. We think there's tremendous upside. We think it's a great corporate town. We think there's great social opportunities to bring people together."

Both Lore — an e-commerce maven — and Rodriguez have had business dealings in the Twin Cities. Rodriguez has invested in a large number of apartment units in the area.

"I think it's one of the most underrated cities in the country," Rodriguez said. "The summers, the lakes, we were jus there for the Super Bowl a few years ago. I'm really excited."

Of course, public statements aren't binding, but there isn't much more the two new owners can do at this point to further reassure the local fanbase. Lore said both he and Rodriguez are looking to find homes in the Twin Cities.

"We can't wait to immerse ourselves in the community. ... We're going to spend a lot of time there," Lore said. "We're going to get to know the people, the fans, the business community. It's a great town. Couldn't be more excited."