Minnesota Lynx

Minnesota Lynx History

Founded in the year 1999, when the WNBA announced the addition of two expansion teams. Officially, the name was given in 1998, but the team function started in 1999. Minnesota Lynx was in its inaugural season in 1999, finishing with a 15–17 record and that was so impressive as a newcomer in the league. They repeated this record in 2000 but saw a decline in performance over the next few seasons.

In 2003, the Lynx appointed Suzie McConnell-Serio as head coach, leading them to their first playoff appearance in franchise history. Following several disappointing seasons, the Lynx achieved a remarkable turnaround in 2011, finishing with a 27–7 record, the best in both the WNBA and team history. That year, they secured their first WNBA championship, marking Minnesota's first professional sports title since the Twins' 1991 World Series win, with Seimone Augustus earning the Finals MVP title.

The Lynx claimed another WNBA championship in 2015, reaching the finals for the fifth time in six years. As a new era dawns, players like Napheesa Collier are leading the team into the future.

Minnesota Lynx Owner

Glen Taylor, Chairman of Taylor Sports Group, Inc., the general partner of Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball Limited Partnership is the primary owner of Minnesota Lynx.

Minnesota Lynx jersey and Logo

The home uniforms feature a white base accented with blue and silver trim. The team jerseys showcase the logo of their sponsor, the Mayo Clinic, displayed in blue. For away games, the uniforms are blue with silver and white accents, with the sponsor's logo in silver. Previously, the Lynx wore Adidas uniforms, which were standard across the league, but in 2018, the WNBA entered into an eight-year partnership with Nike, Inc. Additionally, the Lynx are among 11 WNBA teams sponsored by Verizon, whose logo is prominently visible on their uniforms.

Minnesota Lynx Retired Jersey

Minnesota Lynx Home Stadium

Target Center, a versatile arena in Minneapolis, has been a key venue for various events since its inauguration in 1990. It is a prime location for major family shows, concerts, sports competitions, graduations, and private gatherings. The naming rights have been held by Target Corporation, which was founded in Minneapolis in 1902 and has remained headquartered there ever since.

From the beginning, the arena has served as the home court for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA and currently also hosts the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA. Initially, the arena was constructed, owned, and operated by the original Timberwolves owners, Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner, for the first five years. In 1995, Ogden Entertainment took over the venue's management following its purchase by the city of Minneapolis. Glen Taylor became the owner of the Timberwolves in 1994 and acquired the Lynx in 1999.

In the arena initially, seats were 19,006 but aftermath of success some extra seats were added. Other enhancements included the addition of a new lounge called Club Cambria and improved access for fans with disabilities. The arena's construction cost $104 million, approximately $268 million in 2023. KMR Architects, Ltd. designed this gigantic arena architecture and the structural engineering was done by Ericksen Roed and Associates, Inc.

Minnesota Lynx Tickets and Broadcasting Details

Lynx games are televised on Bally Sports North or Bally Sports North Plus, with Marney Gellner and Lea B. Olsen serving as the broadcasters. On the radio, Lynx games are aired on Bob 106.1 FM, with John Focke providing the commentary for both radio broadcasts and LiveAccess streams.

Additionally, select Lynx games receive national coverage on networks such as ESPN, ESPN2, Ion Television, CBS, CBS Sports Network, and ABC.

Minnesota Lynx Coaching Staff

Cheryl Reeve serves as both the President of Basketball Operations and the Head Coach for the Minnesota Lynx. Under her leadership, the team has secured four league championships. Reeve holds several records in WNBA history, including the highest winning percentage, the most wins by a female coach, and the most postseason victories by any coach. She was honored as the WNBA Coach of the Year in 2011, 2016, and 2020, and was named the WNBA Basketball Executive of the Year in 2019.

Supporting Reeve in managing the Lynx are several key staff members: Katie Smith, an alumna of Ohio State, serves as the Associate Head Coach; Rebekkah Lamar Brunson, from Georgetown, and Elaine Powell, from Louisiana State, are Assistant Coaches. Damon Jones handles Player Development and Video Coordination. Chuck Barta is the Director of Player Performance, while Brandi BlueArm serves as the Assistant Athletic Trainer. Andrea Hayden, from Missouri Baptist, is the Sports Performance Coach. Clare Duwelius, a graduate of Wayne State, holds the position of General Manager.

Minnesota Lynx Famous Players

Napheesa Collier

Napheesa Collier is a standout American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Selected as the 6th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft by the Lynx, Collier had a stellar rookie season, earning the Rookie of the Year award, a spot on the All-Rookie Team, and her first All-Star appearance. Her exceptional performance has continued, as evidenced by her three-time WNBA All-Star selections (2019, 2021, 2023) and her inclusion in the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team twice (2020, 2023). Collier also showcased her talent internationally, playing for Fenerbahçe in the Women's Basketball Super League and Euroleague Women. In the 2024 season, Collier has begun with an MVP-caliber performance, averaging 20.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Kayla McBride

Kayla Renae McBride is an American professional basketball player who serves as a shooting guard for the Minnesota Lynx in the Women's National Basketball Association. She also competes overseas for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Super League (KBSL) and EuroLeague Women. McBride was selected third overall by the San Antonio Stars in the 2014 WNBA draft. A three-time All-Star, she is a key player for the Lynx in the 2023-24 season. Last year, McBride started all 38 games, achieving career highs with averages of 17.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. This season, the 31-year-old veteran guard is leading the team with averages of 16.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

Minnesota Lynx Rivalries

The Lynx-Sparks rivalry is one of the most eagerly awaited matchups in the WNBA, known for its fierce playoff battles. The teams faced off consecutively in the WNBA Finals during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In 2016, the Lynx fell to the Sparks in a closely contested Game 5, losing the series 4-1. However, Minnesota bounced back the following year, defeating the Sparks in another Game 5 with the same 4-1 series score, but this time emerging as the champions. This victory secured the Lynx their fourth championship title overall.

Minnesota Lynx WNBA Records and Stats

The Minnesota Lynx have made it to the WNBA playoffs in 12 out of their 21 seasons. They have claimed the championship title four times, triumphing in the years 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017.

Minnesota Lynx Hall of Famers

Teresa Edwards, an American former women's basketball player who played as a point guard, is a four-time Olympic gold medalist. This legendary figure is the only player from the Minnesota Lynx to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, receiving this honour in 2013 as part of the Minnesota Lynx Hall of Famers.