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Ryan Tanke Leaves Timberwolves, Becomes COO of Houston Rockets

COO

Business Honor - Ryan Tanke Leaves Timberwolves, Becomes Rockets COO

Business Honor
03 July, 2025

Tanke joins Rockets as COO, bringing strong NBA leadership and arena expertise

With a change in leadership, the Houston Rockets have named Ryan Tanke as their new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Tanke will bring more than ten years of NBA business operations experience to Houston. Tanke has been in the same position with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx since 2019.

This action follows Minnesota's recent ownership change. Tanke will take over Gretchen Sheirr's COO responsibilities. Sheirr has been serving as both COO and President of Business Operations. Sheirr will now only focus on her responsibilities as president. In his statement, Ryan Tanke shared his excitement about the new position by expressing gratitude to Gretchen Sheirr the Fertitta family and the entire Rockets organization for the opportunity. He stated the Rockets' illustrious past and bright future by calling them one of the NBA's most recognizable international teams.

Tanke was active in the expansion of the Timberwolves' company and the construction of its arena during his tenure. Tank was a member of the core group that oversaw the $150 million Target Center restoration in Minnesota and drove additional improvements such as the expansion of premium spaces. His knowledge is expected to be particularly helpful as the Rockets get ready to update the 23-year-old Toyota Center. The complex will get $635 million in repairs and improvements over the next 20 years. A self-funded seat replacement project worth $10.5 million will get underway In October 2025.

Tanke's prior work with the Lynx is especially pertinent because Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is also interested in acquiring a WNBA expansion club for Houston. Gretchen Sheirr said the organization is excited to welcome Ryan Tanke to the Rockets by noting that his strategic vision with leadership skills and extensive NBA experience will play a key role in advancing the team's business operations.