In the high-stakes world of professional sports ownership, few stories reflect a better return on investment than that of Glen Taylor and the Minnesota Timberwolves. When Taylor, a Mankato-based businessman and self-made billionaire, purchased the Timberwolves in 1994, the franchise was struggling both financially and competitively. At the time, the NBA team was valued at a modest $88 million, a figure that would barely scratch the surface in today’s sports economy. Now, nearly three decades later, Taylor is finalizing the sale of the franchise for a whopping $1.5 billion—a return on investment (ROI) that not only underscores the booming valuation of NBA teams but also solidifies Taylor’s legacy as one of the most financially astute owners in the league’s history.
Taylor’s journey with the Timberwolves began during a period of uncertainty. In the early 1990s, the franchise was reportedly close to relocation, with a prospective move to New Orleans looming. The team was floundering on the court and lacked the kind of community support that could sustain it long-term. Enter Glen Taylor. A Minnesota native and lifelong supporter of the state, Taylor stepped in not only as a businessman but as a civic-minded figure who wanted to keep the Timberwolves in Minnesota. His $88 million purchase was seen as a stabilizing force for the franchise, and almost immediately, his involvement changed the team’s trajectory.
Taylor wasn’t new to business success. He had already built Taylor Corporation into one of the largest privately held printing and marketing companies in the world. With a sharp eye for growth opportunities and long-term strategy, Taylor applied the same business acumen to the Timberwolves. Over the years, he expanded his influence in the sports world, even acquiring the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, who would go on to win multiple championships under his ownership. His portfolio, both in and out of sports, reflected a philosophy centered on value-building and sustainability.
In terms of performance, the Timberwolves under Taylor experienced both highs and lows. The early 2000s marked the team’s peak during the Kevin Garnett era, culminating in a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2004. However, the franchise struggled with consistency and failed to establish itself as a perennial contender. Critics often questioned Taylor’s management decisions, particularly with regard to front office hires and coaching changes. But while the on-court product fluctuated, the off-court valuation of the franchise steadily climbed, thanks to the NBA’s expanding global reach, lucrative television deals, and the overall surge in professional sports team valuations.
The real turning point in Taylor’s ROI came with the announcement that he would sell the franchise to a group led by former MLB star Alex Rodriguez and entrepreneur Marc Lore. Originally announced in 2021, the sale was structured in a phased approach, allowing Lore and Rodriguez to gradually increase their ownership stake. The final valuation of $1.5 billion represents an exponential increase from the initial $88 million purchase price. For context, that’s a return of over 1,600%, not accounting for revenue generated through team operations, sponsorships, media rights, and venue profits during Taylor’s tenure.
What makes Taylor’s ROI even more impressive is the broader context of NBA franchise values. According to Forbes, the average NBA team is now worth over $2 billion, driven by a surge in media rights deals, international market expansion, and the league’s growing popularity among younger demographics. The Timberwolves, historically a smaller-market team with limited postseason success, still managed to command a sale price that reflects this explosive growth. It’s a testament not only to the NBA’s business model but also to Taylor’s steady stewardship over nearly 30 years.
The sale also includes ownership of the Minnesota Lynx and a stake in the Target Center, further enhancing the package’s value. Taylor’s decision to sell was not just about cashing in; it was also about ensuring that the new ownership group was committed to keeping the team in Minnesota. Much like when he bought the franchise, Taylor’s legacy is deeply tied to local loyalty and civic pride. He has repeatedly emphasized that his goal was not only financial growth but community enrichment.
Beyond the numbers, Taylor’s ownership has had a significant cultural impact on Minnesota sports. While the Timberwolves may not have reached the heights of perennial NBA powerhouses, they remained a central part of the state’s sports identity. Taylor invested in local infrastructure, supported youth basketball programs, and ensured that professional basketball remained accessible to fans throughout the region. The Lynx, meanwhile, became one of the most successful franchises in WNBA history under his leadership, further cementing his influence on the Twin Cities’ sports scene.
From a business standpoint, Taylor’s exit could not be more timely. The sports investment market is at an all-time high, with private equity and celebrity-led ownership groups driving up valuations. The NBA has been particularly savvy in monetizing its product, with a focus on digital platforms, global expansion, and data-driven marketing strategies. Taylor’s ability to ride this wave—and to recognize when to sell—demonstrates not only business intelligence but also strategic patience.
Critics may point to the Timberwolves’ lack of championship success as a blemish on Taylor’s record, but that perspective overlooks the broader picture. In professional sports, especially in leagues with salary caps and draft lotteries, sustained dominance is rare and incredibly difficult to achieve. What Taylor accomplished was stability, growth, and a lasting presence in a competitive market. He also laid the groundwork for future success by building a solid organizational structure, investing in facilities, and positioning the franchise for a new era under fresh leadership.
The deal with Rodriguez and Lore is also symbolic of the changing face of sports ownership. Gone are the days when franchises were exclusively owned by local businessmen or family dynasties. Today’s owners are increasingly diverse, tech-savvy, and globally connected. The new ownership group brings a fresh perspective and a bold vision for the future, including leveraging technology and expanding the franchise’s brand reach. Taylor’s role in facilitating this transition reflects his understanding of the modern sports landscape and his willingness to pass the baton with the franchise’s best interests in mind.
As the sale nears its finalization, Taylor can look back on a legacy marked by loyalty, growth, and an unmatched ROI. His journey from purchasing a struggling franchise in the 90s to closing a billion-dollar deal in 2025 is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a case study in long-term investment, patient capital, and the transformative power of sports business.
In an era where professional sports are increasingly viewed through the lens of big business, Glen Taylor’s story stands out. It’s not just about the money—though the numbers are certainly impressive—but about vision, leadership, and a deep connection to community. His tenure with the Timberwolves may be ending, but his impact will be felt for years to come, both in Minnesota and across the broader landscape of American sports ownership.