Marc Lore is selling his controlling stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Lynx to billionaire investor Marc Stad in a transaction valuing both franchises at $4.5 billion. Lore assumed full ownership of the teams in June 2025 after a lengthy dispute over the purchase from former owner Glen Taylor, with the original acquisition being valued at $1.5 billion. The sharp increase in valuation underscores the rapid rise in NBA franchise worth over the span of just over a year.

Marc Stad, founder of Dragoneer Investment Group and already one of the largest minority owners in the Timberwolves, is taking over as the controlling owner. Alexandra Rodriguez, another minority owner, is not selling her stake and will actually be increasing her investment. Lore will remain involved as a minority stakeholder, though the exact size of his continuing ownership was not disclosed. Stad’s wife, Elisa, is set to become the Timberwolves’ governor, while Rodriguez will continue her role as the Lynx’s governor.

The sale process had been underway for months, prompted by Lore’s desire to focus on preparing an initial public offering for his food distribution company, Wonder. Lore had publicly indicated plans for this IPO in July 2026. Despite the ownership change, the new partnership commits to maintaining a high standard for both teams, emphasizing championships and organizational culture, while continuing collaboration with existing basketball executives and coaches.

This deal is part of a broader wave of swift NBA ownership transitions in recent years that reflect soaring team valuations. Other notable moves include Mark Walter’s pending $12.5 billion sale of the Lakers to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger, and Tom Dundon’s approximately $4 billion purchase of the Trail Blazers. The Lynx enter this new chapter atop the WNBA with the league's best record at 30-7, signaling a positive competitive outlook alongside the ownership transition.