Florida Panthers executive Matthew Caldwell accepted a 10-year deal to serve as the CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, the teams announced Wednesday.
Caldwell, who will relinquish his role as the president of business operations with the NHL’s Panthers, will begin overseeing “day-to-day business operations and high-level strategic initiatives for the Timberwolves, Lynx and Iowa Wolves” (of the G League). He will assume those responsibilities on Sept. 2 from interim-CEO Kelly Laferriere, who has led the organization during its ownership transition period.
Caldwell joined the Panthers as chief operating officer in 2014 before being promoted to CEO in 2016. Now, he will serve under new Timberwolves and Lynx owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.
“I love the NHL. I’ve enjoyed hockey and I’m a big fan of it,” Caldwell said. “But the NBA is just a much bigger, global platform. I really believe in Marc and Alex and their vision and what they’re trying to do. They’re trying to make Minnesota best in class.”
Lore and Rodriguez provided a joint statement: “Our vision is for the Timberwolves and Lynx to set a new standard of excellence in pro sports and we’re confident that Matthew is the leader needed to make that a reality. Leading our organization into an innovative new era requires an exceptional individual at the helm and Matthew’s proven track record leading the business of the Florida Panthers is undeniable. We can’t wait to see the remarkable impact his bold leadership will have on this organization.”
Panthers owner Vincent Viola was quick to applaud Caldwell for his leadership, vision and dedication to the NHL franchise.
“There are very few opportunities I would advise him to pursue, but working with Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore on a global platform like the NBA is at the top of that list,” Viola said. “It’s tremendously bittersweet for our family, but we recognize this is an exceptional opportunity and great next step in his career. Matt’s impact on our organization has been immeasurable and he leaves with our respect and gratitude.”
Caldwell was proud of what he accomplished during his time with the Panthers, who are the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions.
“These past nine years as CEO of the Florida Panthers have been the highlight of my professional career. The Viola family has been a second family to me, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have led this historic franchise turnaround,” Caldwell said. “… The Panthers franchise is in great hands with the executive team and hockey leadership in place and I will be cheering from afar as the team continues its championship run.”
Owner and alternate governor Michael Viola will oversee the search for a new president of business operations for the Panthers.
