Twins finalize move to add minority owners

Two new minority owners join the Twins as the Pohlad family stays in control amid questions about debt and offseason plans.

Twins enlist minority partners after debt concerns

The Pohlad family will remain the principal owners of the Minnesota Twins and have brought in two new minority partners who together hold more than 20 percent of the franchise. The deal comes after earlier talks of a broader sale, with no agreement to relinquish a controlling stake. The transaction values the team above Sportico’s $1.7 billion estimate, and the new partners will start with a minority position while the long path to potentially increasing their stake remains undecided.

Joe Pohlad told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that debt did not hinder the process, a claim that invites skepticism given the reported $425 million debt burden tied to the team. He also indicated the debt would be addressed as the ownership group moves forward, though details on how that will unfold are not yet clear. In the meantime, the Twins completed a deadline wave of trades that reduced payroll and reshaped the roster, while also shipping out several controllable players with varying levels of future impact. The front office has signaled a focus on developing talent, even as questions linger about the offseason roadmap and how ownership and management will align on it.

The move signals a shift from a potential outright sale to a staged ownership transition, with clear implications for financial strategy and on-field risk. The mixed signals on debt, payroll, and long-term plans could test the trust of fans and lenders alike as the organization tries to translate a reshaped balance sheet into competitive performance.

One lesson for the market is that ownership structure can become a strategic tool or a liability depending on how clearly plans are communicated. If the new partners push for concrete milestones and transparent budgeting, the Twins could stabilize their runway for development. If not, the breakup risk remains, and the fan base may remain wary about how soon dividends will show up on the field.

Highlights

The Twins face a test to turn ownership change into durable on-field progress.