Caldwell named Timberwolves, Lynx and Iowa Wolves CEO on 10-year deal

Matthew Caldwell has been hired as chief executive officer of the Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA Lynx, beginning Sept. 2, and will oversee day-to-day business operations and high-level strategy for those franchises and the G League Iowa Wolves. The move, announced by the teams, comes with a 10-year contract and marks the first major executive hire by new owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez since the NBA Board of Governors approved their purchase of the Timberwolves following a protracted legal dispute with the previous majority owner.

Caldwell is leaving his role as president and CEO of the Florida Panthers, a position he held after joining the organization in 2014 and being promoted to CEO in 2016. Under his leadership the Panthers experienced a dramatic turnaround, culminating in back-to-back Stanley Cup championships and recognition as the 2025 Sports Business Journal Team of the Year. Caldwell said he was "honored and humbled to join the Timberwolves and Lynx organization at such a pivotal moment in its history" and expressed enthusiasm for the owners' plans, saying he believes in Marc and Alex "and their vision and what they are trying to do."