Former MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez Banks Half-Court Shot, Eyes Timberwolves Ownership
Alex Rodriguez, the former three-time American League MVP and current MLB analyst for Fox, showcased his basketball skills during halftime of Bucknell’s college basketball game against Army.
As part of a halftime promotion, Rodriguez emerged from the stands to attempt a half-court shot. The shot, if successful, would grant a fortunate student $10,000. Rodriguez built anticipation by tossing the ball high in the air and then, in a swift move, collected it off the bounce, launched it towards the hoop, and banked it in. Bedlam ensued as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Rodriguez’s presence on campus was not solely for the halftime stunt. He was there to participate in a specialized forum with his business partner, Marc Lore.
Earlier this month, Rodriguez and Lore prevailed in an arbitration ruling that granted them the right to become majority owners of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Since 2021, the duo has pursued a majority stake in the teams, which were previously owned by Glen Taylor. However, in March of last year, Taylor terminated the deal, alleging that Rodriguez and Lore had failed to meet the payment deadline outlined in the agreement.
The arbitration victory clears the path for Rodriguez and Lore, who currently hold a 40% ownership stake in the teams, to finalize their acquisition of the remaining 40%.
Their pursuit now faces a crucial hurdle: gaining the approval of NBA owners. To complete the deal and assume controlling interest, Rodriguez and Lore require the support of 75% of the league’s owners. The outcome of this vote will determine whether the former MLB All-Star will also conquer the world of basketball ownership.
Rodriguez’s basketball prowess, while impressive, may pale in comparison to the challenges he faces in the NBA’s business landscape.
Acquiring a professional sports franchise is a complex and competitive endeavor, often involving intricate negotiations, financial structuring, and regulatory compliance. Rodriguez and Lore’s success in this arena will depend on their ability to navigate these challenges effectively.
Should they succeed, Rodriguez and Lore will join the ranks of former athletes who have successfully transitioned into sports ownership. Michael Jordan, Jerry West, and Steve Nash are just a few examples of individuals who have leveraged their athletic achievements to become influential figures in the business of basketball.
Whether Rodriguez and Lore can follow in these footsteps remains to be seen.
However, the half-court shot at Bucknell’s basketball game serves as a symbolic testament to their ambition and determination. Just as Rodriguez calculated his shot with precision and executed it with finesse, he and his business partner are now embarking on a calculated and ambitious journey to secure their place among the elite owners in the NBA.
