Minnesota Lynx build WNBA dynasty over two decades

The Lynx reached the playoffs every year from 2011 to 2021, winning 4 WNBA titles in that span.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Minnesota Lynx have been a dominant force in the WNBA since the early 2010s, reaching the playoffs every year from 2011 to 2021 and winning 4 WNBA championships in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. After a slow start to the franchise's history, the Lynx built a championship-caliber roster anchored by stars like Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, and Sylvia Fowles, establishing a WNBA dynasty over the course of the decade.

Why it matters

The Lynx's sustained success over more than a decade is a remarkable achievement in professional sports, especially for a women's team. Their dynasty has helped grow the popularity of the WNBA and women's basketball in Minnesota and across the country.

The details

The Lynx struggled in their early years, not posting a winning record until 2003. But in 2009, the team hired head coach Cheryl Reeve, who helped build a championship roster. Key additions included Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore, and Minnesota native Lindsay Whalen. This core group led the Lynx to the WNBA Finals in 2011, where they swept the Atlanta Dream to win their first title. The Lynx would go on to reach the Finals 6 times in 7 years, winning 3 more championships in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

  • The Lynx were founded as an expansion team in 1998 and began play in the 1999 WNBA season.
  • The Lynx reached their first WNBA Playoffs in 2003, finishing the season 18-16.
  • Cheryl Reeve was named the Lynx's head coach on December 8, 2009.
  • The Lynx won their first WNBA championship in 2011, sweeping the Atlanta Dream in the Finals.
  • The Lynx won WNBA titles in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

The players

Cheryl Reeve

The head coach of the Minnesota Lynx from 2009 to the present, who helped build the Lynx into a WNBA dynasty.

Seimone Augustus

A 6-time WNBA All-Star and 4-time WNBA champion with the Lynx from 2006 to 2019.

Maya Moore

A 4-time WNBA champion and 6-time WNBA All-Star with the Lynx from 2011 to 2018.

Lindsay Whalen

A 4-time WNBA champion, 5-time WNBA All-Star, and Minnesota native who played for the Lynx from 2010 to 2018.

Sylvia Fowles

A 2-time WNBA champion and 8-time WNBA All-Star who joined the Lynx in 2015 and helped them win titles in 2015 and 2017.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Minnesota Lynx's sustained excellence and dynasty-building over more than a decade is a remarkable achievement in professional sports, especially for a women's team. Their success has helped grow the popularity of the WNBA and women's basketball in Minnesota and across the country.