The Minnesota Timberwolves have a new primary owner after Marc Stad finalized a buyout of Marc Lore, a deal valuing the NBA and WNBA franchises at a massive $4.5 billion. This transaction caps a period of explosive financial growth for the league, where the average team is now worth $6.1 billion. The Wolves head into their final preseason action, including a game against the Chicago Bulls on October 16, with a transformed financial profile.
Marc Lore first agreed to purchase the Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx back in 2021 for an enterprise value of $1.5 billion. His recent sale to limited partner Marc Stad for $4.5 billion represents a staggering 25% annual return on that initial agreement. The deal, along with the Los Angeles Lakers' sale, highlights the incredible market for NBA franchises. Both sales are pending approval from the NBA's board of governors but are expected to close smoothly.
This isn't an isolated event. The Portland Trail Blazers were sold earlier this year in a deal valuing the club around $4.25 billion. Minority stakes are also moving, like a piece of the Cleveland Cavaliers selling at a $5.5 billion valuation. Investors are flooding in because the league's business is booming. NBA-wide revenue hit nearly $14 billion last season, fueled by a new $76 billion national TV deal.
The Golden State Warriors remain the NBA's most valuable team at $13.5 billion. The New York Knicks sit second at $12.6 billion, just ahead of the Lakers at $12.5 billion. Only two sports teams globally, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams, are worth more than this NBA top three. Every single NBA franchise is now valued at a minimum of $4 billion.
That's a 147% increase from the 2021 average of $2.5 billion. The Los Angeles Clippers hold the fourth spot at $7.8 billion, even with looming salary-cap penalties. This soaring valuation context makes the Timberwolves' $4.5 billion price tag a sign of the times, not an outlier. The league's financial health appears robust despite concerns over the collapse of some regional sports networks.
While ownership changes shape the front office, the team is deep into its preseason schedule. Their most recent outing was a 106-128 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 14. The preseason has been a mixed bag, featuring a close 125-124 win over the Miami Heat on October 10 and a 122-104 victory against the New York Knicks on October 12.
They also recorded a 116-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on October 5 but fell to the Indiana Pacers 123-112 on October 7. These games are tuning up the roster for the regular season grind. The next test is a road game against the Chicago Bulls on October 16, the final preseason matchup. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full regular season slate on our schedule page.
With the ownership transition nearly complete, basketball operations can focus solely on the upcoming season. The financial windfall from the sale shows the Timberwolves' status as a major league asset. On-court success will be the next metric to watch, as the team integrates its players and schemes during this preseason period. The massive valuation leap proves that investing in the NBA, and in Minnesota, continues to be a remarkably profitable play.
