When the Minnesota Lynx returned from Atlanta after claiming the 2011 WNBA Championship, they were warmly welcomed by hundreds of supporters at the airport. The following day, the team was celebrated during a game against the Minnesota Vikings, and shortly after, the franchise held its inaugural championship parade to honor their first-ever title.
Sheryl Reeve, the longtime coach and president of basketball operations for the Lynx, admits she was unsure what to expect when joining the parade route, describing the event as “unprecedented.” She worried whether anyone would show up, but to her surprise, about 15,000 fans gathered downtown to cheer the Lynx. Reeve vividly recalls the moment she rounded the corner and saw the crowd, realizing how much the team and community had grown. She credits this outpouring of support to the deep loyalty of the Minneapolis/St. Paul community, known as one of the most dedicated in women’s sports.
Recently, The Athletic Minneapolis/St. Paul ranked the city as the second-best sports city for women in the U.S., sharing the spotlight with the ever-consistent Lynx. The area boasts a rich sporting culture, hosting games for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, a seven-time national women’s hockey champion, as well as teams from the PWHL, USL W-League, and now an expanded professional volleyball franchise. The University of Minnesota’s Tucker Research Center on Girls and Women in Sports also contributes significantly to advancing women’s sports through research.
In an interview with The Athletic, Reeve discussed the rise of women’s sports fandom in Minneapolis, the collaborative spirit among local teams, and her experience coaching before passionate fans. She noted that prior to joining the Lynx in 2009, fan interest was visible but needed growth. Lindsey Whalen, a former Lynx star, famously said, “If we win, they’ll come,” a prediction that proved true as support soared, especially after the team’s 2011 championship.
Reeve highlighted the University of Minnesota’s pivotal role in promoting women’s sports, with a strong focus on Title IX and dedicated leadership. She frequents various sporting events across professional and collegiate levels, emphasizing the community’s interconnected support system that isn’t driven by grand campaigns but by genuine enthusiasm.
The growth of Lynx support from 2011 to their later championships in 2015 and 2017 was significant. Winning a title at home in 2015 marked a turning point, where players like Whalen became recognizable figures in the community. Now, Reeve often encounters fans cheering her on in everyday life, a testament to the deep-rooted fandom.
Synergy among Minneapolis sports teams, especially the Lynx, Timberwolves, and Twins, helps maximize fan engagement without competition, with careful scheduling to avoid conflicts. Over the past two years, support for the Lynx has been extraordinary, fueled by star players like Maya Moore and a strong emotional connection to the city.
Even after tough season-ending losses, the Lynx celebrated with their fans in a special event, highlighting the meaningful bond between the team and the community. This celebration was for the fans, not just the players, demonstrating the unique and heartfelt support the Lynx enjoy.
Fan Take: This story highlights the remarkable growth and passion of the Minnesota Lynx’s fan base, an encouraging sign for WNBA fans nationwide. It underscores how strong community support and team success can elevate the profile of women’s sports, inspiring future generations and driving the sport’s continued expansion.
