The Minnesota Twins, a franchise woven into the heart of the Twin Cities' sports landscape, might soon undergo a significant change. The Pohlad family, stewards of the Twins for nearly four decades, have announced their intention to explore selling the storied MLB team—a decision born from months of thoughtful consideration.
A Family Legacy
Under the Pohlad family's ownership, the Minnesota Twins have not only been a competitive team in Major League Baseball but have also secured two World Series titles—achievements that cement their legacy in the sport. Joe Pohlad, a member of the family, eloquently expressed the deep connection between the franchise and his family, stating, "For the past 40 seasons, the Minnesota Twins have been part of our family’s heart and soul. This team is woven into the fabric of our lives, and the Twins community has become an extension of our family."
Such sentiments highlight the emotional weight behind the decision to sell. The Pohlad family recognizes the significance of this move not only for themselves but for the community that they have, over the years, become an integral part of. Joe Pohlad noted, "In so many ways, this team doesn’t belong to any one family – it belongs to all of you."
The Ishbia Brothers: Potential New Faces
As the Pohlad family begins to explore potential buyers, Mat and Justin Ishbia have emerged as likely candidates interested in acquiring the team. Justin Ishbia, with an estimated net worth of around $10 billion, stands as a robust financial force, capable of taking over a franchise valued at $1.46 billion, according to Forbes estimates. This places the Minnesota Twins as the 21st most valuable team in Major League Baseball.
The Ishbia brothers would bring a fresh vision to the Twins—a team renowned not only for its accomplishments but also for its communal ties. “It's our objective to find an ownership group who all of us can be proud of and who will take care of the Minnesota Twins,” Joe Pohlad articulated, emphasizing the importance of finding suitable successor stewards for the franchise.
A Delicate Transition
Despite the momentum toward a sale, the transition of ownership is unlikely to be completed by the upcoming season’s Opening Day. Such an intricate process requires careful negotiation and planning. Joe Pohlad stated, "After four decades of commitment, passion, and countless memories, we are looking toward the future with care and intention."
The decision to publicize this chapter of the Twins’ history marks a new phase for the franchise. As Joe Pohlad shared, "As we enter the next phase of this process, the time is right to make this decision public." The Pohlad family’s approach reflects a profound respect for what the Twins mean to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the broader Minnesota region—a sentiment that resonates deeply with the community. “We truly respect and cherish what the Twins mean to Minneapolis, St. Paul, the great state of Minnesota, and this entire region,” Pohlad affirmed.
Conclusion of an Era
As the baseball season approaches and the potential sale progresses, both the Pohlad family and the Twins community face an emotional yet hopeful transition. The team's history under the Pohlad family's stewardship has been marked by triumphs and a deep, shared passion for the sport. While the future may see new faces at the helm, the legacy forged over the past four decades will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire.