FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – Matthew Caldwell will leave his position as president of business operations for the Florida Panthers, the two-time Stanley Cup champion team, to take on a 10-year contract as CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA. 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 a significant decision by the new owners of the Timberwolves and Lynx, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who took full control of the franchises earlier this summer.
Caldwell joined the Panthers in 2014 as chief operating officer before being promoted to chief executive officer in 2016.I love the NHL. I enjoy hockey and I am a big fan of it. But the NBA is a much bigger and global platform. I really believe in Marc and Alex, in their vision and in what they are trying to do. They are trying to make Minnesota the best in class.
Caldwell
Caldwell, who served in the Army, graduated from West Point, earned MBA and law degrees from Northwestern, and worked on Wall Street for Goldman Sachs, played an important role in many areas of the Panthers’ recovery in recent years, especially off the court. 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 is hosting 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 War Memorial in Fort Lauderdale two years ago. Caldwell expressed that the change was bittersweet, a feeling also shared by Panthers owner Vincent Viola.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. Leading our organization into a new innovative era requires an exceptional person at the helm, and Matthew’s proven track record of leading the Florida Panthers’ business is undeniable. We can’t wait to see the remarkable impact his bold leadership will have on this organization.
Lore and Rodriguez
There are very few opportunities I would advise him to pursue, but working with Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore on a global platform like the NBA is at the top of that list. It is tremendously 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
