Twins fans are waiting patiently for a new ownership group to emerge. All signs point to Justin Ishbia as the clear frontrunner, with a sale inching closer to completion.

he Minnesota Twins will have new ownership sometime during the 2025 season. Multiple reports in recent weeks point to an agreement coming in the season’s first half.

One of those reports came from Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Justin Ishbia, a billionaire entrepreneur, has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to purchase the team, estimated to be worth between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion.

Hayes writes that a league source has described Ishbia as “very, very serious” about acquiring the Twins. He also said, “The process could be expedited if a prospective owner elevated themselves above a ‘robust’ group of interested parties.”

Further, MLB’s vetting process has already included a “deeper dive” into Ishbia’s financial standing and overall suitability as a prospective owner. He is currently a minority owner of the Chicago White Sox. For a franchise rooted in community and stability, this could signal a significant shift if Ishbia solidifies his bid.

According to Forbes, Ishbia’s net worth is estimated at $5.4 billion. Much of his wealth stems from his role as chairman of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), a company that has become a juggernaut in the mortgage lending space. Ishbia’s financial resources certainly place him in elite company, capable of navigating the high-stakes world of MLB ownership.

However, many billionaires have a bad history regarding how they make their money. Beyond the numbers, league insiders believe Ishbia’s aggressive approach and enthusiasm for the process position him well among the “robust” group of potential buyers described above.

It’s not uncommon for a top bidder to emerge in high-profile sales, but what’s striking here is the confidence level behind Ishbia’s pursuit. While the Twins’ current ownership group (led by the Pohlad family) has not indicated an immediate timeline for a sale, Hayes’s reporting suggests the process could accelerate if a buyer like Ishbia makes a strong enough offer.

The Pohlad family has long been at the helm of the Minnesota Twins, shaping the franchise’s direction both on and off the field.

When the time comes to consider passing the baton of ownership, their decision will likely hinge on multiple factors. A local group or an ownership candidate with a clear vision for maintaining the Twins as a cornerstone of Minnesota sports might sway the family, even if it means a little extra work to develop a competitive offer.

For fans, the idea of new ownership naturally raises questions. Will Ishbia invest heavily in the on-field product? How will he engage with the local community? Can he enhance the Twins’ standing within MLB?

With his significant financial resources, Ishbia could inject new energy and vision into the franchise. The Pohlad family has overseen periods of both success and stagnation during their tenure, so a fresh perspective may resonate with fans eager for the team to take another step forward.

Of course, it’s essential to read between the lines. Hayes’s report could also reflect some strategic maneuvering. If Ishbia truly has the inside track, this could be an attempt to finalize negotiations by leveraging public perception.

Pushing the narrative of so much steam might spur other bidders to up their offers, driving up the franchise’s value.

Still, the fact that Ishbia’s name keeps surfacing (and with such confidence) is hard to ignore. MLB’s willingness to dig deeper into his background hints at serious momentum. While other suitors may exist, Ishbia appears to be separating himself from the pack.

Twins fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on developments as the process unfolds. Ownership changes can redefine a franchise in terms of finances, culture, and priorities. If Ishbia emerges as the new owner, it could mark a transformative era for the Minnesota Twins. For now, though, the story remains one of potential, promise (and a lot of steam).