Minnesota Lynx: A Dynasty Defined by Success
The Minnesota Lynx are a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The franchise joined the WNBA as an expansion team in 1999, and has since become one of the league’s most dominant, known for its sustained success and the legendary players who built its dynasty.
Dynasty Era and Championships
The Lynx’s most celebrated period began in 2011, when they drafted Maya Moore with the first overall pick. Moore, along with other core players like Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, and Rebekkah Brunson, formed the nucleus of a team that would make six WNBA Finals appearances in seven seasons from 2011 to 2017.
- Four WNBA Championships: The Lynx secured WNBA titles in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. With four championships, the Lynx are tied with the Seattle Storm and the defunct Houston Comets for the second-most titles in league history.
- Key Players: This era was defined by the on-court chemistry of players like Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, and Sylvia Fowles.
Current Team Roster
- Forwards: Napheesa Collier, Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Jessica Shepard, Camryn Taylor, Maria Kliundikova.
- Guards: Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman, Jaylyn Sherrod.
- Guard-Forward: DiJonai Carrington.
Coaching and Front Office Staff
The architect behind the Lynx’s dynasty is Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations, Cheryl Reeve. Hired in 2010, Reeve quickly transformed the franchise into a perennial title contender. She is the most successful coach in franchise history, holding the highest winning percentage of any coach in the WNBA. Her leadership has been recognized with multiple WNBA Coach of the Year awards.
- Head Coach & President of Basketball Operations: Cheryl Reeve
- Assistant Coaches: Rebekkah Brunson, Eric Thibault, Elaine Powell, Lindsay Whalen
Legends and Retired Jerseys
The Lynx have honored the players who defined the franchise’s success by retiring their jersey numbers, a testament to their lasting legacy.
- Lindsay Whalen (#13): A Minnesota native and the team’s leader and point guard throughout the dynasty, Whalen’s jersey was the first to be retired in franchise history in 2019.
- Rebekkah Brunson (#32): Known for her rebounding prowess and defense, Brunson was an integral part of all four championship teams. Her jersey was retired in 2022. She is currently an assistant coach for the Lynx.
- Seimone Augustus (#33): The first overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, Augustus was a dynamic scorer and a key member of the championship core. Her jersey was retired in 2022.
- Sylvia Fowles (#34): Acquired in 2015, Fowles became the anchor of the Lynx’s defense. She won two Finals MVP awards with the Lynx and was the 2017 WNBA MVP. Her jersey was retired in 2023.
- Maya Moore (#23): Considered by many to be the greatest player in franchise history, Moore’s jersey was retired in 2024. She led the team to all four of its WNBA championships and was named WNBA MVP in 2014.
Sponsors and Partners
The Lynx have strong relationships with numerous sponsors, many of which are based in Minnesota.
- Jersey Sponsors: Mayo Clinic (main jersey sponsor) and Federated Insurance (jersey patch sponsor).
- Other Key Partners: Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, Fitbit, Hy-Vee, Starkey, nVent, Pentair, Target, U.S. Bank, and Odele Beauty are all confirmed partners. The team has also added Luther Automotive Group as a new partner.
