The Minnesota Twins are reportedly on the verge of announcing new additions to their ownership group, with the Pohlad family expected to reveal the identities of their new limited partners this month. Among the prominent figures believed to be joining the ownership circle is Craig Leipold, the owner of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild.
This significant development was reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic, who shared on social media that Leipold is indeed a part of one of three distinct limited partner groups investing in the baseball franchise. While the exact size of Leipold’s stake in the Twins remains undisclosed, his involvement signals a substantial shift in the team’s financial structure.
Further insights from The Athletic’s Dan Hayes suggest that these three new limited partners have collectively acquired a 20% stake in the Twins. This transaction is reportedly based on a valuation of $1.75 billion for the club. Hayes also indicated that the official announcement of these new partners is anticipated this week. Their infusion of capital is expected to provide a much-needed financial boost to the ball club, with a key objective being the reduction of the team’s reported $500 million in debt.
The timing of these ownership changes coincides with the Twins’ recent activity in the free agency market. Just prior to these reports, the team secured free agent first baseman Josh Bell on a reported one-year deal worth $7 million. This signing came after a period where the Twins’ projected payroll for the 2026 season stood at approximately $95 million, a notable decrease from the $130 million Opening Day payroll in 2025.
The extent of future spending by the Twins in free agency remains a subject of speculation. However, reports from Hayes and other sources suggest that the team’s payroll could ultimately reach around $115 million by the commencement of the 2026 season.
Potential Impact of New Ownership on Spending
If Craig Leipold’s involvement extends to influencing the Twins’ approach to free agency, it could pave the way for a more aggressive spending strategy. Leipold has a well-established reputation in the NHL for his willingness to invest significantly in acquiring top talent. His tenure with the Minnesota Wild has seen the team commit substantial financial resources to high-profile players, including lucrative contracts for Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Matt Boldy, and, most notably, Kirill Kaprizov. Kaprizov’s recent contract stands as the richest in the history of the National Hockey League, underscoring Leipold’s commitment to building a competitive team through significant player investment.
Expanding Footprint in Minnesota Sports
Leipold’s influence and presence within the Minnesota sports landscape are steadily growing. In addition to his ownership of the Wild, he has also established himself as a limited partner in one of the professional volleyball teams scheduled to make their debut in St. Paul in 2027. This diversification of his sports investments further solidifies his commitment to the region’s athletic endeavors. The potential synergy between his hockey and baseball ventures, particularly under new ownership structures, could lead to exciting developments for both the Wild and the Twins. The infusion of new capital and strategic partnerships signals a new era for the Twins, one that may see a renewed focus on bolstering the roster and achieving greater on-field success.
