Confident NBA Insider Predicts Glen Taylor Will Triumph in Timberwolves Ownership Dispute
Following arguably the best season in their history, the Minnesota Timberwolves face a turbulent offseason due to an intense ownership battle.
Glen Taylor, who has seen the team’s value soar since agreeing to sell, has accused Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez of breaching the purchase agreement.
When Taylor initially halted the potential deal to transfer ownership to Rodriguez and Lore, it set the stage for a legal confrontation. Many believe the new ownership group might prevail in this legal tussle.
However, securing a legal victory against Taylor is only part of the battle. To truly gain control, Lore and Rodriguez need approval from 23 NBA owners (three-quarters of the league), a significant hurdle where they are expected to face challenges.
In a strategic move to bolster their financial strength, Rodriguez and Lore have recently enlisted Michael Bloomberg. Despite this high-profile addition, the question remains whether it will sway the NBA Board of Governors.
According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, the answer is likely no. Walters cites a well-positioned NBA source who is confident that Taylor will ultimately emerge victorious in the ownership dispute.
The source believes that even if Rodriguez, Lore, and Bloomberg win an arbitration case against Taylor, the NBA’s approval is still required for the sale to proceed.
Bloomberg, who is also an investor in the Baltimore Orioles, may not be able to secure the necessary support within the NBA’s elite circles.
The potential rejection by the NBA is speculated to be influenced by politics and the original purchase price. Taylor’s extensive influence and network within the NBA could play a critical role in swaying the decision.
The idea that 24 of 30 NBA owners would favor Rodriguez and Lore over a long-time associate like Taylor is seen as presumptuous by many.
Additionally, the financial implications of this deal on the league cannot be overlooked.
If the sale goes through at the agreed price of $1.5 billion, it could negatively impact the perceived value of other franchises, especially when other teams are valued at three or four billion dollars.
A legal victory for Rodriguez and Lore might provide some momentum, but it does not guarantee NBA approval.
Despite these challenges, Rodriguez and Lore continue to act as though they will eventually take control of the Timberwolves.
They have been exploring new arena locations and ways to replace Bally Sports North, steps that indicate their expectation of eventually holding a majority stake.
However, until the NBA gives its approval, the ownership of the Timberwolves remains uncertain.
