Speaker Profile

Ryan Tanke enters his 25th season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx and fourth as Chief Operating Officer. He previously served as the Chief Revenue Officer for six seasons. Prior to that, he was the SVP of Ticket Sales and Premium Seating.

As Chief Operating Officer, Tanke serves on the organization’s Executive Team and is charged with setting the strategic direction for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, Iowa Wolves, and T-Wolves Gaming inclusive of business operations oversight of the Lynx and Iowa Wolves. Tanke oversees the organization’s sales and marketing departments including ticket sales and corporate partnerships, and all digital and retail channels, along with game entertainment. He is also charged with leading the team’s communications, broadcast, business intelligence, and fan experience departments.

In the spring of 2021, Tanke helped orchestrate the historic negotiation and deal terms related to the sale and ownership transition for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx by majority owner Glen Taylor to limited partners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.

Tanke leads the Timberwolves and Lynx broadcast relationships, including partnerships with Bally Sports North, WCCO-AM Radio, and the Timberwolves Radio Network. In 2021, Tanke played a pivotal role in securing the Timberwolves’ jersey patch partner, a multi-year deal with Aura. Most recently, Tanke has led the Timberwolves evolution as a next generation sports organization, leading its partnership with Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR) focused on fan engagement and technology innovation.

A La Crosse, Wis. native, Tanke resides in Minnetrista, Minn. with his wife, Lindsey, their daughter, Charli and son, Tristan.