In the WNBA semifinals that began on Sunday night at Target Center, the Lynx faced off against their worthy opponents. These opponents are considered to be one of the most unique franchises in a major professional sports league in North America.
The Connecticut Sun, who emerged as the winners with a score of 73-70 in Game 1, come in at number two on the unique franchise list for me. They are behind the Green Bay Packers, a franchise based in a city of 100,000 that owes its existence to the importance of toilet paper.
The WNBA was originally started with eight teams in 1997, with two more added in 1998. The Orlando Miracle and Minnesota Lynx were added in 1999, making it a total of 12 teams. The Timberwolves showed more commitment to the effort compared to the Orlando Magic.
After the Miracle folded, the franchise was sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moved to the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut. This marked a significant change in structure for the WNBA, as it was the first franchise with no NBA connection.
Despite several teams folding or moving, the Mohegan Tribe remained steadfast in their commitment to the Sun. Lindsay Whalen, a key player for the Lynx, fondly remembers this commitment and the impact it had on her career.
Whalen’s journey from leading the Gophers to the Final Four in 2004 to being drafted by the Sun in Year 2, and later joining the Lynx, highlights the interconnectedness of the WNBA teams and their players.
