NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Alex Rodriguez recalls a particularly impactful lesson imparted by the late George Steinbrenner, the longtime owner of the New York Yankees.
This insight will significantly influence Rodriguez’s strategy in leading the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Rodriguez, along with Marc Lore, the newly appointed co-owners of the Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, addressed the media at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on Friday. When asked how he might mirror Steinbrenner’s ownership style, Rodriguez quickly made a connection.
“His famous saying was that the only thing more critical than winning is breathing,” Rodriguez remarked, the former baseball star known for hitting 696 home runs during his tenure with the Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers. “I suppose I’m a bit obsessed like that.”
As with any new ownership, Rodriguez and Lore plan to implement changes. On Friday, they announced one of their initiatives: a new ticketing system dubbed Jump, which will allow fans an opportunity to bid on tickets when premium seats become available due to early departures. Want those courtside seats if they’re vacated? Simply click, place a bid, and they could be yours for a fraction of their face value.
There’s also discussion regarding a potential new arena, as well as reconciling with former Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett, who has been largely distant from the franchise in recent years, disappointing many devoted Minnesota supporters. Rodriguez and Lore expressed their intention to mend that relationship.
“As a startup founder, it’s all about innovation,” Lore emphasized. “It’s about being disruptive and not adhering to traditional methods. We have a blank canvas to redefine processes instead of merely accepting the status quo.”
It’s been over four years since Lore, the ex-e-commerce leader for Walmart, and Rodriguez, whose MLB career concluded in 2016 marred by revelations of performance-enhancing drug use — a significant factor in his incomplete bid for the National Baseball Hall of Fame — approached former Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor about selling the team.
“As you all know, I’ve made some significant mistakes that hurt me more than anything,” Rodriguez acknowledged. “That’s on me. However, I’m incredibly grateful that I was able to correct my path and make substantial changes in my life, positioning me to be fortunate enough to partner with Marc in this venture.”
Taylor, along with the Rodriguez-Lore group, quickly settled on a $1.5 billion sale, with NBA valuations soaring since then. They could sell the team at a substantial profit if they chose to, though it appears they are not inclined to do so.
“Mark and I are relentless; we have always started from the bottom,” Rodriguez remarked. “We fought hard for this, and we did it the right way.”
Earlier this year, private equity magnate Bill Chisholm agreed to purchase the Boston Celtics, marking a record initial valuation of $6.1 billion — a figure that may climb higher before finalizing that agreement. Additionally, last month, businessman Mark Walter, who owns the Los Angeles Dodgers among other teams, confirmed a deal to purchase a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, establishing that franchise’s worth at $10 billion.
In light of these valuations, Rodriguez and Lore secured quite a deal.
“This isn’t a hobby,” Rodriguez asserted. “This is the most significant venture in my life, aside from my family and loved ones. Nothing else compares.”
Steinbrenner was known for his willingness to invest heavily in the pursuit of making the Yankees a constant title contender. While NBA salary structures differ from those in baseball, Rodriguez is confident he and Lore have a strategy to build both a competitive and sustainable team.
Given that the Timberwolves boast one of the league’s brightest young talents in Anthony Edwards and have recently made consecutive appearances in the Western Conference finals, this ambition seems realistic.
“George created as many opportunities as possible,” Rodriguez noted. “The drive for victory, the passion for our players, the dedication to our fan base — we aim to make our supporters proud.”
