How To Be a Minnesota Sports Team Owner: Lessons for Lore and Rodriguez

Winning Hearts Takes More Than Niceness:: Minnesota fans ultimately value winning and investment over perceived owner personality (e.g., Craig Leipold/Wild).

Spending Matters:: Fans react negatively to perceived cheapness, even after periods of success or new facilities (e.g., Pohlads/Twins post-2000s, McCombs/Vikings end-stage).

Local Commitment is Crucial:: Attempts or perceived threats to move teams (Norm Green/North Stars, Glen Taylor's early Timberwolves struggles) or drastic cost-cutting (McCombs, Pohlads contraction threat) are poorly received.

Competence & Stability:: Avoiding scandals (Norm Green), under-the-table dealings (Glen Taylor/Joe Smith), and public gaffes (early Wilfs/Vikings) builds trust. Staying out of the spotlight can be beneficial.

Why this matters:: Understanding this history helps explain the local fan mindset and the potential pitfalls awaiting Lore and Rodriguez. Success hinges on demonstrating commitment, investing in the team, and ultimately, winning.

The Pohlad Paradox (Twins): Carl Pohlad saw World Series success but later angered fans by threatening contraction and slashing payrolls, only to eventually secure a new ballpark and field competitive teams. This illustrates the complex relationship between spending, facilities, and fan perception.

The Green Departure (North Stars): Norm Green initially enjoyed popularity but moved the team to Dallas following sexual harassment allegations, a stark reminder of how off-field issues and perceived lack of local commitment can doom an owner's tenure.

The McCombs Flip (Vikings): Red McCombs initially planned to flip the team but kept it after seeing Randy Moss. His 'Purple Pride' slogan resonated, but popularity waned when spending decreased before he eventually sold the team.

Taylor's Tenure (Timberwolves): Glen Taylor kept the team in Minnesota but faced criticism for controversial moves (Joe Smith signing) and hiring practices. This underscores the need for sound management beyond just preventing relocation.

Wilf's Wisdom (Vikings): After early missteps, the Wilf family adopted a lower public profile and earned respect as savvy operators, demonstrating that learning and adapting communication strategies is key.

Leipold's Limit (Wild): Craig Leipold is seen as a relatable owner, but his popularity hasn't shielded the team from criticism during periods of limited playoff success, proving winning is paramount.

For Fans:: Understanding the history provides context for evaluating the actions of the new Timberwolves/Lynx ownership.

For Lore/Rodriguez:: The path to sustained popularity involves visible commitment to Minnesota, significant investment in team success (payroll, resources), competent management, and, above all, consistent winning.

Key Actions:: Keep the teams in Minnesota, be transparent about ambitions, invest to compete at a high level, and build a strong organizational culture.

Souhan, Jim. "How To Be a Minnesota Sports Team Owner." *Minnesota Star Tribune*, 6 Apr. 2025, https://www.startribune.com/lore-rodriquez-minnesota-sports-team-owner-souhan/601323646?ref=yanuki.com target="_blank"