The Minnesota Lynx history reflects one of the most successful eras in women’s basketball. Since joining the WNBA in 1999, Minnesota Lynx basketball has grown into a powerhouse, achieving multiple championships and nurturing star players. With strong leadership, talented rosters, and loyal fans, the franchise has left an enduring mark on the league.
Established
1999
City
Minneapolis
League History
1999 – Present / Women’s National Basketball Association
Team History
1999 – Present / Minnesota Lynx
Nickname
Lynx – The Minnesota Lynx are among the most successful teams in the WNBA, having won four championships since their inception in 1999. But where did they get their name? It turns out that it has some exciting origins!
The team’s original owner, Harvey Ratner, chose “Lynx” as a tribute to Minnesota's rich Native American heritage. The lynx is an animal native to North America and was seen by many of its indigenous peoples as a symbol of strength and power. This idea resonated with Ratner, who wanted his team to be decisive on the court just like its namesake animal was powerful off it!
Minnesota Lynx Origin
In addition to being symbolic for Native Americans, the lynx also had special meaning for Minnesotans at large: when settlers first came into contact with local Ojibwe tribes during fur trading expeditions in 17th-century Canada-Minnesota borderlands regions (including present-day Wisconsin), they observed how these people hunted using packs composed entirely of female animals—namely wolves and lynxes—to track down prey more effectively than if males were included. So not only does this nickname have historical significance but also practical hunting applications, which makes it even more unique!
Since then, Lynxs fans have embraced their nickname proudly – both because it honors Minnesota's proud history while simultaneously representing power on the basketball court today – making them one of WNBA's most iconic franchises ever since 1999.
Championship
WNBA Championships 4
2017, 2015, 2013, 2011
Arena
1999 – Present / Target Center
2016 – 2017 / Xcel Energy Center
Owner
1999 – Present / Glen Taylor
- 1998
- 2011
- 2013
- 2015
- 2017
Lynx Team Creation
On April 22, 1998, the WNBA announced they would add two expansion teams (Minnesota and the Orlando Miracle) for the 1999 season. The team was officially named the Minnesota Lynx on December 5, 1998. The Lynx started their inaugural season in 1999 with 12,122 fans in attendance to watch the first regular-season game against the Detroit Shock at Target Center. The Lynx defeated ...
2011 WNBA Champs
The 2011 WNBA season is the 15th season of the Women’s National Basketball Association. The regular season began on June 3 with the Los Angeles Sparks hosting the Minnesota Lynx, featuring 2011 WNBA Draft top pick Maya Moore, in a game televised on NBA TV. Four games followed the next day, with the marquee matchup, televised on ABC, featuring the defending champion Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury in Seattle. The Minnesota Lynx finished the regular season ...
2013 WNBA Champs
The 2013 WNBA season was the 17th season of the Women’s National Basketball Association. The regular season began on May 24, and playoffs concluded on October 10. The Minnesota Lynx won their second league championship, defeating the Atlanta Dream three games to none in the 2013 WNBA Finals. The year represented a positive turning point for the long-struggling league. Both ...
2015 WNBA Champs
The 2015 WNBA season was the 19th season of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The regular season started on June 5 and playoffs concluded on October 14. The Minnesota Lynx beat the Indiana Fever 69–52 in game five of the Finals on October 14 to clinch a third WNBA title in five years.
2017 WNBA Champions
The 2017 WNBA season was the 21st season of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Its regular season began on May 13 with three games, highlighted by the defending WNBA champion Los Angeles Sparks hosting the Seattle Storm. It concluded on September 3. The playoffs began on September 6, and concluded on October 4, with the Minnesota Lynx defeating the Sparks in five games to win their fourth WNBA ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Minnesota Lynx History
The Minnesota Lynx history represents one of the most successful journeys in women’s professional basketball. Founded in 1999, the team quickly became a powerhouse in the WNBA. Over the years, Minnesota Lynx basketball has earned six Western Conference titles and four WNBA championships, making it one of only two franchises to win multiple championships since 2000.
From the start, the Minnesota Lynx were led by standout players and strong leadership. Brian Agler served as the first head coach from 1999 to 2002, laying the foundation for the team’s early competitiveness. Suzie McConnell-Serio followed from 2003 to 2006, nurturing key talent that would soon transform the team. In 2010, Cheryl Reeve became head coach and guided Minnesota Lynx basketball to an era of dominance. Under her leadership, the Lynx reached the WNBA Finals six times between 2011 and 2017, winning championships in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. This era cemented the team’s place as a dynasty in Minnesota Lynx history.
Key players such as Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, and Sylvia Fowles helped shape Minnesota Lynx basketball into one of the most recognized brands in the league. Their performances on both ends of the court brought national attention and inspired a new generation of fans and athletes.
Lynx Achievements
The achievements of the Minnesota Lynx also extend beyond championships. The franchise has consistently been among the league leaders in attendance and community engagement, bringing women’s basketball to the forefront in Minnesota. Their efforts off the court, including youth programs and local outreach, highlight their commitment to growing the sport.
Looking ahead, the future of Minnesota Lynx basketball remains bright. With a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, plus Cheryl Reeve’s continued leadership, the franchise is poised to compete for more titles. The Minnesota Lynx history is still being written, and fans can expect this team to remain a dominant force in the WNBA for years to come.
Retired Number
23 / Maya Moore
*Blue is this team’s history