Minnesota Lynx

Minnesota Lynx
Name	Minnesota Lynx
Founded	1999
History	Minnesota Lynx (1999–present)
Arena	Target Center
Location	Minneapolis, Minnesota
Colors	Midnight blue, lake blue, aurora green, moonlight grey
General manager	Clare Duwelius
Head coach	Cheryl Reeve
Ownership	Glen Taylor
League	Women's National Basketball Association
Conference	Western Conference
Championships	4 (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
Conference titles	6 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017)
Retired numbers	32, 13

Minnesota Lynx. The Minnesota Lynx are a professional basketball franchise based in Minneapolis and compete in the Women's National Basketball Association as a member of the Western Conference. Established in 1999 as one of the league's first expansion teams, the organization has become one of the most successful in WNBA history, renowned for its dynastic run in the 2010s. The team plays its home games at the Target Center and is owned by Glen Taylor.

History

The franchise was awarded in 1998 as part of the WNBA's initial expansion, beginning play in the 1999 WNBA season. Early seasons were marked by struggles, with the team failing to secure a winning record or a playoff berth for its first eight years. A pivotal turning point came with the acquisition of the first overall pick in the 2006 WNBA draft, used to select Seimone Augustus, who would become a franchise icon. The hiring of head coach Cheryl Reeve in 2010 and the subsequent drafting of Maya Moore first overall in the 2011 WNBA draft catalyzed a transformative era, launching the team into a period of sustained excellence and multiple championships.

Championships and achievements

The team has won the WNBA championship four times, in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017, establishing a modern dynasty. They have also captured six Western Conference titles during that same dominant stretch. Individual honors for players have included multiple WNBA Most Valuable Player Award winners, such as Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore, and several WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award recipients, including Seimone Augustus and Maya Moore. The franchise has retired the jersey numbers of Seimone Augustus (33) and Lindsay Whalen (13).

Players and personnel

The dynasty was built around a core of legendary players often referred to as the "Core Four": Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, and Rebekkah Brunson. Later, center Sylvia Fowles, a multi-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award winner, became a central figure. The basketball operations have been led since 2010 by head coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve, one of the most decorated coaches in league history. Key front office figures have included general managers Roger Griffith and Clare Duwelius.

Home arenas

The primary home venue since the franchise's inception has been the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis, which it shares with the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association. During the 2010 season, while the Target Center underwent renovations, the team played several home games at the Williams Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The team's practice facility is the Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis.

Rivalries

A significant and intense rivalry exists with the Los Angeles Sparks, fueled by multiple meetings in the WNBA playoffs and WNBA Finals, including classic series in 2016 and 2017. Another notable conference rivalry developed with the Phoenix Mercury, featuring postseason clashes and star-driven matchups between players like Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore. Within the Western Conference, competitive games against the Seattle Storm have also carried playoff implications.

In the community

The organization is deeply engaged through its "Lynx Fit" and "Lynx Takeoff" programs, which promote health, wellness, and youth basketball across the Twin Cities. Players and coaches are regularly involved with local organizations such as the Minnesota AIDS Project and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The team also hosts annual events like "Women's Health Night" in partnership with the Mayo Clinic and supports initiatives for social justice, a cause championed by former star Maya Moore.

Category:Women's National Basketball Association teams Category:Sports in Minneapolis Category:Basketball teams in Minnesota Category:1999 establishments in Minnesota