The Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA's Lynx were sold in a landmark $4.5 billion deal, a transaction that Draymond Green believes will force the NBA to change its ownership rules. This sale comes as the team's on-court form has dipped, with a recent 109-139 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on May 16, 2026, part of a tough 1W-4L stretch where they've lost their last two games.
What did Draymond Green say about the deal?
Draymond Green discussed the Minnesota Timberwolves sale on his YouTube channel. He expressed shock at the skyrocketing valuations for NBA franchises, pointing to the Lakers' recent $12.5 billion sale as another example. Green argued that the cost is becoming too high for individual owners to manage comfortably.
He predicted the league will have to open up to private equity groups becoming majority owners. "I think what's going to happen is you're going to see that the NBA is going to have to become open to private equity groups actually being the majority owner of these teams," Green said. He explained that buying in at five or ten billion dollars creates a "high basis" that makes it tough for individuals, leading to faster team turnover.
Why does the Minnesota Timberwolves sale matter?
This isn't just another team sale. Bundling the Timberwolves with the WNBA's Lynx was central to the $4.5 billion package. It signals a major shift where women's sports franchises are now core assets in multi-billion dollar portfolios, not secondary additions. The deal underscores how valuations across basketball have entered a new financial stratosphere.
For the Timberwolves, this ownership change occurs during a challenging period. Their recent form shows just one win in their last five outings. You can track their progress and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page as they look to rebuild momentum.
What are the current NBA rules and what comes next?
The NBA already allows some private equity investment but maintains strict caps. These rules prevent institutional funds from taking operational control of teams. Green's comments suggest these regulations may need revisiting as prices climb.
He thinks the league will be pushed into an "interesting situation" to figure out rules around borrowing and ownership eligibility. "Ultimately guys are going to want out to make that money," Green stated, doubting owners will hold assets forever without cashing in. This could lead to more frequent sales and a new class of institutional team owners.
The financial landscape of NBA ownership is transforming rapidly. While the Timberwolves work to improve their 1W-4L record, the business side of the sport is seeing even more dramatic changes that could reshape who controls the league's teams for decades to come.
