Over the last decade-plus, Minnesota Lynx fans have created one of the best atmospheres you will find in the WNBA.
Spanning from the opening of the regular season and turning it up a notch in the postseason, the Lynx and their fan base have established an identity of being one of the toughest places to play in the league. The passion, energy, and electricity Lynx fans bring into Target Center each night is felt by all — whether you’re watching the game on TV, a fan attending a game, or a player or coach
on the court.
In 2025, Minnesota is hoping to have that electricity continue as it progresses in the postseason, providing the team with a true homecourt advantage. And the organization knows Lynx fans will show up and show out, as they have for years and most recently here in 2025.
“They are the best. Since I’ve been here, it’s continuously grown each and every year. Just how they show up for us, their excitement. They are genuinely so into each and every game,” Kayla McBride said. “It’s a hard place to play for any team that comes in here. We love playing here at Target Center because of them and because of the atmosphere they created. It’s really special. … Whenever you have fans like that, you’re willing to do whatever to win.”
Attendance Increase
Though Minnesota has played just one home playoff game entering the best-of-five semifinals round that begins Sunday against Phoenix, it is already seeing Lynx fans show up in support of their squad.
According to Lynx President of Business Operations Carley Knox, attendance in Game 1 of the first round was up from the same game the year prior, with over 8,800 fans flooding Target Center to open up the 2025 playoffs against Golden State on Sept. 14.
“Single game tickets were up 25 percent and total revenue in the game was up 46 percent,” Knox said on the Hitting the Hardwood Podcast with Mitchell Hansen. “The atmosphere was absolutely electric in the first game of round one. … Everyone was so excited. I talked to my counterpart with the Golden State Valkyries, and she said ‘Your fans are so passionate.’ … They are incredibly passionate, and they have our backs.”
“I love the way our fans have our backs, help lift us in tight games and fight for us,” Knox continued. “Our fans, it’s truly like this incredible army where we’re all heading in the same direction. Everybody is so motivated for us to get to this promised land of winning a fifth championship.”
The trend of increased attendance is something that has been seen across the entire WNBA, and was the case for the Lynx, who have traditionally been in the top half of the league in attendance. According to Across the Timeline, Minnesota had 219,068 fans over 22 regular-season home games to come to an average of about 9,957 fans per contest. That is up from 2024 — albeit with two fewer home games — with a total of 185,832 fans in 20 home games and an average of 9,291 fans per contest.
“Each time we go out there, understand what goes into that,” Cheryl Reeve said. “All the people that poured into this franchise, believed in this franchise, and our fans and growth that we’ve seen — enjoy that and don’t every take that for granted. … This was a long build and support. We’re very fortunate because players around the league they envy what we have here.”
Homecourt Advantage
Lynx fans have been fortunate over the last decade-plus to see their favorite squad not only reach the playoffs but make deep runs in the postseason. And as a result, those fans have flooded Target Center while creating an incredible atmosphere and homecourt advantage that reminds you what makes playoff basketball so special.
In seven games during a WNBA Finals run in 2024, Target Center saw 82,095 fans enter the arena, averaging 11,727 fans per game. That peaked in the championship series when the Lynx recorded a record sellout crowd of 19,521 in Game 3 against the New York Liberty.
“Our fans are the absolute best in the WNBA. They bring an electrifying energy to Target Center that’s just incredible,” said Jeff Munneke, Lynx and Timberwolves Vice President of Fan Experience. “From tip-off to the final buzzer, Lynx fans create an atmosphere that gives us the ultimate homecourt advantage. Their passion, loyalty, and unwavering support carry us through every moment. It’s that special connection that makes Target Center feel like more than just an arena – it feels like a big ol’ family.”
Now with the opening round behind the Lynx after they made quick work in a first-round sweep, fans have even more opportunities to come out and support Minnesota with at least two home games — three if it reaches a Game 5 — taking place in the semifinals. And that starts with the first two games of the series: Game 1 on Sunday and Game 2 on Tuesday.
The organization is encouraging fans to pack Target Center and get it roaring like we’ve seen on numerous occasions in the past. Because when Lynx fans show up and pack the arena, it creates an atmosphere unlike any other, and that homecourt advantage only helps the team on the court.
“Come out and support this team. They are so amazing, they’re so motivated, and they play beautiful team basketball. You will absolutely fall in love if you come,” Knox said. “This is what the team deserves. They deserve to be playing out in front of sellout crowds for the entire arena every single game. What the Valkyries did (in Game 2 of the first round with 18,500 fans), we need to be doing that and bringing in 18,000 or 19,000 fans every single game.”
“We have an opportunity now heading into the semifinals to do so, so I encourage everyone to come out and support,” Knox added. “Let’s pack the house, let’s get it rowdy in there, let’s bring that Lynx passion and energy, and let’s help lift this team to a fifth championship one game a time.“
Minnesota is preparing for a semifinal series that will be a tough battle with a spot in the Finals on the line. But as it prepares, the Lynx already know they can expect their fans to pack the stands and bring the passion, energy, and electricity like they always do.
