In recent years, the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty have undergone ownership changes with that of the Aces also coming in tandem with a relocation from San Antonio to Sin City.
The Liberty’s ownership change from James Dolan and MSG to Joe Tsai and BSE also came with a much-hoped for relocation of its home venue from Westchester County Center to Barclays Center.
In light of Sen. Kelly Loeffler’s anti-Black Lives Matter comments, many from both the WNBA and NBA have called for Loeffler to be booted as co-owner of the Atlanta Dream, but commissioner Cathy Engelbert conducted a CNN interview in which she said the league would not force a sale ala what the NBA did in the Donald Sterling situation with the Los Angeles Clippers.
If recent reports are true, a WNBA team that has encountered a great deal of success over the previous decade could be the next on the market.
A Sportico article hinted that Glen Taylor, owner of the Minnesota Lynx (and Minnesota Timberwolves), is exploring a sale of the franchises. Taylor also owns the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, considered to be Minnesota’s newspaper of record.
Taylor has said in recent interviews that he wants for the Lynx and Timberwolves to be sold together and for both teams to stay under the same umbrella. He also has implored any buyer to keep both franchises in Minnesota.
Such an edict from Taylor, if he follows through, would be different than what happened to the Seattle Storm when the Seattle Sonics were sold and moved to Oklahoma City. The Storm were retained and remained in Seattle even when the Sonics were sold.
Since the initial announcement, there has been a lot that has come out about potential buyers – including one Kevin Garnett, who had a falling out with Taylor after the death of former Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders.
My passion for the Minnesota Timberwolves to be a championship team is
well known but I have a deeper affection for the city of Minneapolis. I
once again want to see Minneapolis as the diverse and loving community
that I know it is. (1/2)— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) July 21, 2020
No two people love the city more than myself
and Glen Taylor and I look forward to trying to work with him to
achieve my dream. (2/2)— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) July 21, 2020
The spat has also been cited as a major reason why Garnett’s #21 jersey has yet to be retired and raised to the rafters at Target Center. Zygi Wilf, the owner of the Minnesota Vikings, is another rumored suitor.
The Star-Tribune obtained an agreement that greatly helps Taylor’s cause to keep the Lynx and Wolves at Target Center. His organization signed an agreement with the city of Minneapolis stating that the teams would play at the venue through the 2034-35 season – and that it would pay $50 million to the city of Minneapolis if that obligation was not fulfilled.
