Former Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees' Star Set to Become Majority Owner of NBA Franchise
After a reported financial hiccup put the transition in jeopardy, former Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is set to become the official owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA (and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx).
Per Shams Charania of 'The Athletic' on social media:
Just in: Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez have submitted signed financial documentation to NBA to complete acquisition of majority controlling ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx from Glen Taylor, multiple sources with direct knowledge told me and @JonKrawczynski.
Dyal Capital Partners has joined as a pre-approved investor in the Lore-Rodriguez group, giving them the final financial backing necessary to complete the transaction, sources said. Lore and Rodriguez are ready to close the sale as soon as NBA approves.
This is certainly a good time to get in for Rodriguez, as the Timberwolves are battling for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They also have one of the best, young players in the league in Anthony Edwards.
As for Rodriguez, he's one of the most talented and complicated players in MLB history.
A former No. 1 pick in the draft, Rodriguez put together a Hall of Fame career - one which he derailed after admitted steroid use and suspension.
As a result of that scandal, he hasn't made the Baseball Hall of Fame yet, but he has undergone a fascinating public perception facelift through his broadcasting work with ESPN and FOX over the last several years. Owning the Timberwolves and getting even more public face time should help further the image makeover.
All in all, Rodriguez spent 22 years in the big leagues with the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and New York Yankees. He starred for Seattle from 1994-2000, Texas from 2001-2003 and the Yankees from 2004-2016, minus the 2014 season when he was suspended.
He was a 14-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glover, a 10-time Silver Slugger, a three-time MVP and a batting champion.
He led the league in home runs in five different seasons, including hitting 57 in 2002. He led the league in RBIs twice, slugging four times and OPS twice.
He also helped the Yankees win the World Series in 2009 by beating the Philadelphia Phillies.
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