The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx have hired Matthew Caldwell as Chief Executive Officer. This marks the primary major move by latest Minnesota controlling owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. Caldwell, who previously served as President and CEO of the Florida Panthers, signed a 10-year contract to steer business operations for the NBA, WNBA, and G League franchises.
Caldwell begins his role on Sept. 2. He replaces Ethan Casson, who stepped down in June after nearly a decade with the organization. Interim CEO Kelly Laferriere will remain with the franchise as a senior advisor to ownership.
The hire signals Lore and Rodriguez’s vision to stabilize leadership and spend money on long-term growth for basketball in Minnesota. In a joint statement, the co-chairmen said Caldwell’s track record with the Panthers made him the correct alternative to guide the Timberwolves and Lynx right into a latest era.
“Our vision is for the Timberwolves and Lynx to set a brand new standard of excellence in pro sports, and we’re confident that Matthew is the leader needed to make that a reality,” Lore and Rodriguez said in a joint statement. “… We will’t wait to see the remarkable impact his daring leadership may have on this organization.”
Matthew Caldwell has the credentials to run the Timberwolves and Lynx
Caldwell spent nine years with the Panthers. He helped the franchise reach three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and secure back-to-back championships. Moreover, during his tenure, the Panthers won the 2025 Sports Business Journal Team of the Yr award. He first joined the organization in 2014 as Chief Operating Officer. Afterward, Caldwell became CEO in 2016. That made him the youngest CEO in U.S. skilled sports on the time. Caldwell can also be a U.S. Army veteran and former Goldman Sachs executive.
“I’m honored and humbled to affix the Timberwolves and Lynx organization at such a pivotal moment in its history,” Caldwell said in an announcement. “I’m inspired by Marc and Alex’s vision and keenness for Minnesota basketball and their commitment to excellence. I sit up for making my mark across the organization and to constructing a long-lasting foundation that provides Minnesota basketball fans what they deserve. The perfect experience in sports, bar none.”
Basketball operations for each teams remain unchanged following the hiring. Tim Connelly and Cheryl Reeve are continuing of their leadership roles.