Reports: Ishbia brothers have interest in Twins ownership

Reports: Ishbia brothers have interest in Twins ownership

According to a recently published report from Bloomberg, billionaires Mat and Justin Ishbia, who own the Phoenix Suns, are interested in buying the Minnesota Twins. ESPN and The Athletic confirmed those reports this weekend.

In October, the Pohlad Family released a statement about wanting to sell the Twins, which they have owned for four decades. Here is an excerpt of the statement released:

“For the past 40 seasons, the Minnesota Twins have been part of our family’s heart and sou,” the statement read. “This team is woven into the fabric of our lives, and the Twins community has become an extension of our family. The staff, the players, and most importantly, you, the fans – everyone who makes up this unbelievable organization – is part of that. We’ve never taken lightly the privilege of being stewards of this franchise.

“However, after months of thoughtful consideration, our family reached a decision this summer to explore selling the Twins. As we enter the next phase of this process, the time is right to make this decision public.

“After four decades of commitment, passion, and countless memories, we are looking toward the future with care and intention – for our family, the Twins organization, and this community we love so much.

No purchase has been made at the time of this publishing.

In December of 2022, Mat Ishbia purchased a majority stake in the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) for roughly $4 billion; his brother, Justin, is a minority owner in both stakes.

According to Forbes’ March valuation of the Minnesota Twins, they are the 21st most valuable team in baseball with an approximate valuation of $1.46 billion dollars; they bring in $569 million in sport revenue and $500 million in market revenue, per the site.

The Twins were No. 19 in total payroll in 2024 and are projected to be No. 16 heading into 2025, according to Spotrac. Though that is not factoring in a potential trade for Carlos Correa, which could be on the table, or any other cost-cutting moves that the franchise may pursue. They haven’t been in the top-half in total payroll since 2012, Spotrac’s second year tracking it. They have also had only six winning seasons since then (including a 36-24 year in a COVID-shortened 2020), too. This hasn’t been a successful organization.

Thankfully for Minnesota, Mat Ishbia loves to spend. The Phoenix immediately shot up the NBA in total payroll, acquiring Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal with zero buyer’s remorse. Not to mention, they forked over practically all of their draft capital and are beyond stuck in the second apron, which very few NBA franchises want to touch with a 10-foot pole.

The Twins aren’t the New York Mets; Minnesota isn’t New York in terms of market. But if you’re looking for a rival owner to potentially compete with Steve Cohen in terms of spending way above their head, Ishbia may be atop that list. If not him, then who else?

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