At NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Minnesota Timberwolves co-owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez didn’t just talk about basketball, they unveiled a disruptive new idea that could redefine how fans interact with live sports.
The duo introduced Jump, a dynamic ticketing platform designed to let fans release or bid on seats in real time if they arrive late or leave early.
Jump works by alerting attendees when better seats become available mid-game. If someone vacates a courtside seat or leaves early from the lower bowl, other fans can bid on that spot through a reverse auction system. Prices start high and drop based on demand and timing, allowing fans to “jump” into premium seating for a fraction of the original cost. Lore described the idea as “dynamic real-time ticketing,” a system that ensures seats are always filled and fans are constantly engaged.
The inspiration came from Lore’s own experience attending games and noticing empty seats near the court.
“Why are all the seats empty close to the field or close to the arena?” he asked. “Why, when people leave, do those seats stay empty?”
That question led to a patent-pending technology that could soon become a staple in arenas across the country.
Rodriguez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Jump is part of a broader vision to modernize the Timberwolves’ business model.
“This is not a hobby,” he said. “This is the most important thing in my life, outside of my family. We want to make our fan base proud.”
The duo also hinted at plans for a new arena in downtown Minneapolis, one that would serve as a hub for entertainment, culture, and community engagement.
What makes Jump particularly exciting is its potential beyond basketball. Imagine baseball fans moving closer in the seventh inning, soccer supporters upgrading to midfield seats after halftime, or concertgoers snagging front-row spots when early birds head home. If successful, Jump could become a blueprint for dynamic ticketing across sports and entertainment, challenging traditional models and giving fans more control over their experience.
Lore and Rodriguez are betting on innovation to elevate the Timberwolves brand, and Jump is just the beginning.
