FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – Matthew Caldwell will leave his position as president of business operations for the Florida Panthers, two-time Stanley Cup champions, to take on a 10-year contract as CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. The official announcement was made on Wednesday. Caldwell will begin overseeing the “daily business operations and high-level strategic initiatives for the Timberwolves, Lynx, and the Iowa Wolves of the G League” starting September 2nd. This is an important decision by the new owners of the Timberwolves and Lynx, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who took full control of those franchises earlier this summer.
I love the NHL. I enjoy hockey and I am a big fan.
Caldwell
Caldwell joined the Panthers in 2014 as chief operating officer before being promoted to chief executive officer in 2016.But the NBA is a much larger global platform. I really believe in Marc and Alex, in their vision and what they are trying to do. They are trying to make Minnesota the best in its class.
Caldwell
Our vision is for the Timberwolves and Lynx to set a new standard of excellence in professional sports, and we are confident that Matthew is the leader needed to make that a reality.
Lore and RodriguezCaldwell, who served in the army, is a graduate of West Point, received MBA and law degrees from Northwestern and worked on Wall Street for Goldman Sachs, played an important role in many parts of the Panthers’ transformation in recent years, especially off the ice. In September, the Panthers extended their operating agreement with Broward County for five more years, ensuring the team remains in the South Florida market until 2033 and likely much longer. The team will host an outdoor game at the Miami Marlins’ stadium for the first time this season, has a long waiting list for season tickets, and opened a new practice facility at the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial two years ago. Caldwell said the change was a little bittersweet, a feeling that was shared by Panthers owner Vincent Viola.Leading our organization into a new innovative era requires an exceptional person at the helm and Matthew’s proven track record leading the Florida Panthers business is undeniable. We cannot wait to see the remarkable impact that his bold leadership will have on this organization.
Lore and RodriguezThere are very few opportunities I would advise you to pursue, but working with Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore on a global platform like the NBA is at the top of that list.
ViolaIt’s incredibly bittersweet for our family, but we recognize that this is an exceptional opportunity and a big step in his career. Matt’s impact on our organization has been immeasurable and he leaves with our respect and gratitude.
Viola
