When Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore took over the Timberwolves and the Lynx’s ownership after a long, drawn-out battle, several rumors circulated. One of them included moving the team to Seattle, a city where Rodriguez played professional basketball. However, they quickly shut those down. The sports culture in Minnesota is too large, and the owners want to serve that fanbase and build a community relationship.

And they recently took a next step.

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced a partnership with Gray Media, valued at $497 million according to Stock Analysis, to widen their free, over-the-air broadcast of basketball games across the city. Through this partnership, Gray Media will air three games, including tonight’s game against the Sacramento Kings on its regional network. That includes Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester, Minnesota.

The mission is clear. Rodriguez and Lore want to broadcast Timberwolves games in more households than before. It’s an extended partnership with KARE 11, which announced the broadcasting of four free games this year for a second-straight season. As part of the partnership with Gray Media, the remaining three games with KARE 11 will simulcast over a larger area, allowing more Timberwolves fans to enjoy free basketball action from their favorite team.

“As we build on our successful over-the-air partnership with KARE 11, this new collaboration with Gray Media further strengthens our commitment to expanding access and deepening fan engagement across Timberwolves Country. We’re proud to continue providing free, over-the-air access to Timberwolves basketball through our partnership with FanDuel Sports Network, allowing even more fans across our viewing area to connect with their favorite team,” said Patrick Rees, the Timberwolves and Lynx Chief Communications Officer, in the team’s announcement.  

It serves as another initiative from Alex Rodriguex and Marc Lore to deepen their connection with the Minnesota community. They have already focused on the fan experience within the arena. They launched Jump, a ticketing platform that allows fans to bid for better seats if they get vacated early during games. Furthermore, there’s another big project that the owners have set their eyes on.

Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore dream of a new arena for the Minnesota Timberwolves

From the very beginning, serving the Minnesota community and manifesting their passion has been a goal for A-Rod and Lore. Likewise, they have already done a lot to build a stronger connection. But at its peak, they want to prioritize fan experience. For that, they have had one target circled on their agenda list since day one.

The owners envision a new arena that brings excitement and modern facilities for the Timberwolves and the Lynx.

The Target Center has been a long-time home for the franchise. It’s the second-oldest arena in the NBA, only behind Madison Square Garden. However, the arena doesn’t have limitless access to upgrades, like the MSG in recent years. The Target Center has one of the lowest available premium seats and is also one of the smallest, according to the Star Tribune.

So Alex Rodriguez, taking inspiration from the New England Patriots’ Patriot Palace, wants to create a state-of-the-art arena. He wants it to anchor an entertainment district, hoping to generate additional revenue outside of ticket sales to funnel it back into team operations. The approach aligns with making both teams one of the most respected sports franchises across the world.

While financing the operation is tricky, Lore and Rodriguez are also willing to privately finance the building of such an arena. They are still looking for the perfect place to build the infrastructure. However, Minnesota will be its home, as they have reiterated several times. The new ownership is clearly bringing in a fresh set of ideas to modernise the teams as much as possible.

A new, private arena could be a major boost for the Lynx and the Timberwolves. And while it could take a few years, Alex Rodriguez and Lore have it as their topmost priority.