Matthew Caldwell Leaves the Panthers to Lead the Timberwolves and Lynx
In a strategic move that shakes the sports world, Matthew Caldwell, president of business operations for the Florida Panthers, two-time Stanley Cup champion team, will leave his position to take over as CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA. This agreement, which spans 10 years, was announced this Wednesday. Caldwell will begin overseeing the daily business operations and high-level strategic initiatives of the Timberwolves, the Lynx, and the G League’s Iowa Wolves starting September 2. This decision represents an important step for the new owners of the Timberwolves and the Lynx, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who took full control of the franchises earlier this summer.Caldwell joined the Panthers in 2014 as the chief operating officer before being promoted to CEO in 2016.“I love the NHL. I enjoy hockey and I’m a big fan,” Caldwell commented. “But the NBA is a much bigger global platform. I really believe in Marc and Alex and their vision and what they are trying to do. They are trying to make Minnesota the best in class”.
Matthew Caldwell
Caldwell, who served in the army, is a graduate of West Point, obtained MBA and law degrees from Northwestern and worked on Wall Street for Goldman Sachs, played an important role in many areas 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 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 realize that vision,” said Lore and Rodriguez in a joint statement. “Leading our organization into a new era of innovation 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.”
Marc Lore and Alex 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,” Viola said. “It’s 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.”
Vincent Viola
