After a dispute that lasted over a year, ownership of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Lynx has now been settled. Glen Taylor has agreed to transfer complete ownership of the teams to the group led by Marc Lore and former MLB star Alex Rodriguez, according to ESPN, ending a saga that began back in 2021, when Lore and Rodriguez agreed to purchase the team for $1.5 billion.

The deal structure was unusual, as Lore and Rodriguez were allowed to buy the team in installments. However, a missed payment led to Taylor’s attempt to cancel the sale, despite the transaction being agreed at a significantly lower price than the market average. The Phoenix Suns sold for $4 billion in 2023, and there are recent sales of teams exceeding $6 billion, making it clear that the Timberwolves were sold at a bargain.

Eventually, arbitration ruled in favor of Lore and Rodriguez, stating Taylor had violated the sale terms, although Taylor could appeal the decision. Despite possible appeal options, he chose to move forward with the transfer, placing Lore and Rodriguez in control of the Timberwolves as they navigate a crucial offseason.

With the team currently seated as the No. 7 in the Western Conference, the new owners must address key player contracts, including star players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Julius Randle, and others who may become free agents. Their commitment to spending will play a significant role in the franchise’s trajectory.

Overall, while the Timberwolves’ future seemed uncertain under Taylor’s ownership, Lore and Rodriguez’s acquisition could usher in a new era for the team, filled with potential for a brighter and more competitive future.