31
Mar
Team Profile
Minnesota Lynx: Five things you need to know
Highlights
Minnesota Lynx has a long history of sustained WNBA excellence
- 4 WNBA Championships in 7 years (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
- 7 Western Conference titles between 2011-2024
- First WNBA team with all 5 starters scoring 14+ points, 4+ rebounds, and 1+ 3-pointers in a single game (2024)
- Latest News: Read more about Aussies in the WNBA
Australian Alanna Smith was the co-WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 alongside league MVP A'ja Wilson.
Opals centre Smith is back in Minnesota as the Lynx chase another title in 2026.
Minnesota Lynx
League: WNBA (Western Conference)
Founded: 1999
Home Arena: Target Center — Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ownership: Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore
Head Coach: Cheryl Reeve
President: Cheryl Reeve
Snapshot
- 4× WNBA Champions (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
- 2024 Commissioner’s Cup winners
- 2024 WNBA Finals runners-up
- One of the greatest dynasties in league history
Identity: The Gold Standard Dynasty
The Minnesota Lynx are not just successful — they defined an era.
Led by Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx built one of the most dominant dynasties in basketball, winning four titles in seven years and making six Finals appearances between 2011–2017.
The core of:
- Maya Moore
- Seimone Augustus
- Lindsay Whalen
- Sylvia Fowles
set the benchmark for team-first basketball, balance, and defensive consistency.
The Modern Era: Built Around Napheesa Collier
The Lynx have transitioned from dynasty to contender — quickly.
Napheesa Collier now anchors the franchise as its primary option and cultural leader, with the organisation reshaping its roster around her two-way impact.
Recent highlights:
- 2024 Commissioner’s Cup champions
- 2024 WNBA Finals appearance (lost 3–2)
- 2025: 34–10 record, top seed in West
This is no rebuild — it’s a reload.
Current Core (2025–26 Window)
Napheesa Collier (F)
- Franchise cornerstone
- Elite two-way forward
Kayla McBride (G)
- Veteran scorer and perimeter threat
Courtney Williams (G)
- Offensive creator and tempo setter
Alanna Smith 🇦🇺 (F/C)
- Versatile frontcourt piece
- Defensive presence and spacing option
Jessica Shepard (F/C)
- Interior rebounding and physicality
Australian Watch: Alanna Smith
Alanna Smith (F/C)
- Born in Hobart, Tasmania
- Key rotation big with two-way versatility
- 2025 co-WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
Smith provides:
- Rim protection and defensive mobility
- Stretch capability in frontcourt lineups
- International experience (Opals)
She fits seamlessly into Minnesota’s positionless, defensive system.
By the Numbers
- 2025 Record: 34–10 (.773)
- 2024 Record: 30–10 (.750)
- Playoff Appearances: 15 in 26 seasons
- WNBA Championships: 4
Club Philosophy
Minnesota’s identity hasn’t changed — it’s evolved.
Core principles:
- Ball movement over isolation
- Defensive accountability
- Role clarity across the roster
- Team-first culture
This is still the most system-driven franchise in the league.
Legacy & Impact
The Lynx didn’t just win — they influenced how teams build.
Their dynasty:
- Set the standard for roster balance
- Elevated league-wide competition
- Proved team basketball beats star isolation
They remain the benchmark franchise for sustained success in the WNBA.
Outlook: Contender, Not Contender-in-Waiting
Minnesota is back in the championship window.
With:
- A top-tier superstar in Collier
- Elite coaching continuity
- A proven system
The Lynx aren’t chasing relevance.
They’re chasing a fifth title.
Five Things You Need To Know
1. One of the greatest dynasties ever: Four titles in seven years built the WNBA benchmark.
2. Cheryl Reeve is the constant: Cheryl Reeve remains the league’s most influential coach.
3. Napheesa Collier leads the new era: Napheesa Collier anchors the next championship push.
4. Australians remain part of the system: Alanna Smith adds versatility and defence to the frontcourt.
5. Still a title threat right now: Minnesota isn’t rebuilding — it’s competing for championships.
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