Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Longtime Timberwolves Executives Announce Departure Amid Team Sale

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 3:50 PM ET

Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx longtime CEO Ethan Casson and COO Ryan Tanke announced their departure from the organization to staff on Friday morning, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.

The business partners' decision comes as new management will take over both professional teams following its sale to Marc Lore and former MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez on April 2. The new group acquired the organization for $1.5 billion, the same price the sides reached an agreement on in 2021, according to a report from ESPN insiders Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst.

Lore and Rodriguez initially agreed to buy the team in a three-part sale that included 36% of the team changing hands for approximately $500 million. However, former Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor attempted to call off the deal after what he thought was a breach in terms by the buyers, but a three-judge panel ruled in favor of Rodriguez’s team.

Wolves/Lynx CEO Ethan Casson and COO Ryan Tanke, longtime leaders of the franchise’s business operations, are stepping down after the sale closes. The close friends announced their departures to the staff this morning.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 20, 2025

Lore’s group also raised up to $950 million with help from business partners such as former mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg and former Google executive Eric Schmidt. As the new group plans to take control over the two Minnesota franchises, it marks the end of an era for Casson and Tanke.

Casson oversaw business operations and planning for the Lynx and Timberwolves, including the renovation of The Target Center, according to a Sports Illustrated report. Tanke has been with the organization since 2006 and has helped them sell tickets and merchandise, leading to his becoming the Chief Revenue Officer for the Lynx and Timberwolves in 2012.

The tandem's efforts helped develop a winning culture in Minnesota as the Lynx and Timberwolves each made a couple of playoff appearances recently. The Lynx reached the WNBA Finals last season, while the Timberwolves made two straight Western Conference finals appearances.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: