The minnesota Twins are on the brink of a significant transition as the Pohlad family explores the sale of the franchise after four decades of ownership. With the new season approaching, the team’s winter caravan kicks off this Tuesday, followed by the Diamond Awards and TwinsFest. Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in less than a month, but the buzz around the team isn’t just about the upcoming games—it’s about who will own the team next.
A Wave of Interest in the Twins
The search for a new owner has already garnered double-digit inquiries, according to sources familiar with the process. The interest spans from local investors to those as far away as California. Allen & Company,the investment firm managing the sale,has been fielding calls from prospective buyers and reaching out to gauge interest. This level of engagement suggests a competitive bidding process is on the horizon, with a strong handful of bidders expected to submit final offers.
What’s the Timeline?
The valuation of the Twins is a key factor in the sale. Forbes estimates the team’s worth at $1.46 billion, while Sportico places it at $1.7 billion. In the coming weeks, preliminary numbers will be discussed, followed by at least one more round of bidding. Due diligence is currently underway to ensure the financial stability of interested parties, a necessary step given the infamous 2001 contraction saga involving Donald Watkins, whose financial backing was unclear.
Sources believe a winning bidder could be identified by Opening Day, though the deal won’t be finalized instantly. Major League Baseball will conduct an extensive background check,and the ownership committee will meet with the prospective owner for further questioning. The transition of ownership could extend into late May or June, requiring patience from fans and stakeholders alike.
Who’s in the Running?
So far, the only publicly known interested party is businessman and baseball enthusiast Justin Ishbia. His brother, Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, would also be part of the ownership group. This news could excite Twins fans, especially after the pohlad family reduced payroll following the 2023 season, despite the team’s playoff success. The Ishbias previously purchased a small stake in the Chicago White Sox in 2021, which they would need to sell before acquiring the Twins. The brothers also hold a stake in Nashville SC of Major League Soccer, showcasing their growing sports portfolio.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Current Owner | pohlad family (as 1984) |
| Valuation | $1.46 billion (Forbes), $1.7 billion (Sportico) |
| Timeline | Winning bidder identified by Opening Day; final approval by late May/June |
| known interested Party | Justin and Mat Ishbia |
| Previous Stake | Ishbias own a small stake in the Chicago White Sox and Nashville SC |
As the Twins prepare for a new season, the search for a new owner adds an extra layer of intrigue. With a mix of local and national interest, the franchise’s future promises to be as dynamic as its storied past. stay tuned as this story unfolds, and share your thoughts on who you think should take the reins of this beloved team.
Minnesota Twins on the Brink of Ownership Transition: Insights from an Expert
The Minnesota Twins are poised for a historic change as the Pohlad family considers selling the franchise after nearly four decades of ownership. With the new season fast approaching, the focus isn’t just on spring training and the winter caravan—it’s on who will take the reins of this storied team. We sat down with Dr. Laura Bennett, a sports business analyst and expert on franchise transitions, to discuss the potential sale, the timeline, and what it means for the Twins’ future.
The Current Landscape of the Sale
Senior Editor: Dr. Bennett, the Pohlad family has owned the Twins since 1984. What’s driving the decision to sell now?
Dr. Bennett: The decision likely stems from a combination of factors. The Pohlads have been stewards of the franchise for a long time,and succession planning often drives such decisions. Additionally, the sports franchise market is booming, and the Twins’ valuation has never been higher. Selling now could maximize their return on investment while ensuring the team’s long-term stability.
The Potential Buyers
Senior Editor: There’s been notable interest in the team, with double-digit inquiries already. Who are the most likely buyers?
Dr. Bennett: The interest is indeed significant, ranging from local investors to out-of-state groups.One notable contender is Justin ishbia, who, along with his brother mat Ishbia, has a growing sports portfolio. Their previous investments in the Chicago White Sox and Nashville SC show they’re serious about sports ownership. However, they’d need to divest their White Sox stake to comply with MLB rules.
The Valuation and Timeline
Senior Editor: The Twins are valued at $1.46 billion by Forbes and $1.7 billion by Sportico. How might this valuation impact the sale?
Dr. Bennett: the valuation sets the stage for a competitive bidding process. While Forbes and Sportico differ slightly, both figures reflect the Twins’ strong market position. The timeline is ambitious but feasible—we could see a winning bidder identified by Opening Day, though final approval might take until late May or June.
what This Means for Fans
Senior Editor: How should Twins fans feel about this transition?
Dr. bennett: Fans should feel cautiously optimistic. While change can be unsettling, new ownership often brings fresh energy and investment. The key will be ensuring the new owners are committed to maintaining the Twins’ legacy while also building for the future. the franchise’s success on the field and its deep roots in the community make it an attractive opportunity for the right buyer.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: What’s next in this process?
Dr.Bennett: The next few weeks will be critical. Allen & Company will continue fielding inquiries, and we’ll likely see a shortlist of serious bidders emerge. Once a preferred buyer is chosen, the rigorous MLB approval process will begin. It’s a complex journey, but one that could shape the Twins’ future for decades to come.
As the Twins prepare for a new season, the search for a new owner adds an extra layer of intrigue. Stay tuned as this story unfolds, and let us know your thoughts on who should take the reins of this beloved team.
