MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – In a move that reverberates beyond the hardwood, the Minnesota Lynx and the acclaimed musical force Bon Iver have announced a pioneering partnership, forging an unprecedented alliance focused on gender equity and community empowerment. This groundbreaking collaboration marks a first in professional women’s sports, uniting a WNBA powerhouse with a multi-Grammy Award-winning artist and project to catalyze meaningful societal impact.

Beginning with the 2025 Lynx season, this multi-year endeavor will squarely address critical gender inequities stemming from domestic and sexual violence, sex trafficking, healthcare disparities, and barriers within education and leadership. The synergy between the Lynx’s platform and Bon Iver’s influential voice promises to amplify these crucial issues and drive tangible change.

“Basketball is exactly like music. It’s a group and individual improvising to create moments of vision, excitement and joy. Simply said, the Minnesota Lynx team is my favorite band in the world right now,” expressed Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. “As Bon Iver, we also saw an unprecedented opportunity to not only support this band of incredible women on the court, but by combining forces to more urgently support the communities of women in the Upper Midwest.”

Lynx President of Business Operations Carley Knox echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are incredibly excited about this innovative and first-of-its-kind partnership, centered around community impact and the cultural connection of sports and music. Justin is an incredibly passionate supporter of the Lynx, and our complete value alignment has allowed us to create a partnership focused on meaningful societal change.”

Vernon’s deep commitment to gender equity is evident in Bon Iver’s “2 A Billion” campaign, an initiative dedicated to raising support, awareness, and fostering personal connections in the fight to end gender inequity, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. With strong ties to both Wisconsin and Minnesota, Vernon’s long-standing admiration for the Lynx, frequently highlighted during the promotion of Bon Iver’s latest album, SABLE, fABLE, underscores the authenticity of this collaboration.

This unique partnership will spotlight and bolster the vital work of several non-profit organizations, including the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, She Rock She Rock, and Girls Taking Action (the Lynx’s Changemaker Impact Partner). Bon Iver’s 2 A Billion campaign will contribute a significant $250,000 in grants to these organizations, along with ten other Minnesota and western Wisconsin nonprofits and shelters dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. This direct financial support will empower localized resources and partners making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Throughout the season, fans can expect to see the partnership come to life through unique content features, player engagement with the supported nonprofits, community outreach initiatives, basketball clinics, and the annual Lynx Changemakers Summit slated for August 2025.

What it Means for the WNBA and Minnesota:

This groundbreaking collaboration has the potential to set a new standard for partnerships within the WNBA and across women’s professional sports. By demonstrating the powerful synergy between athletic prowess and artistic influence, the Lynx and Bon Iver are showcasing a novel approach to leveraging their platforms for social good.

For the WNBA, this partnership injects a fresh wave of attention and highlights the league’s growing influence beyond the court. It underscores the commitment of WNBA teams and their athletes to engaging with critical social issues and using their platform to advocate for positive change. The involvement of a globally recognized artist like Justin Vernon and the Bon Iver project could attract new fans and sponsors who are drawn to this unique blend of sports and social impact.

Locally, this partnership underscores the Minnesota Lynx’s deep roots within their community and their commitment to addressing pressing social needs. By aligning with a beloved regional artist who shares their values, the Lynx are strengthening their connection with fans and demonstrating their dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of Minnesotans and their neighbors in western Wisconsin. The direct financial support for local nonprofits will provide crucial resources to organizations working on the front lines of gender equity and violence prevention.

The Lynx Changemakers platform, which serves as the foundation for this partnership, offers a compelling model for other organizations and individuals looking to invest in women’s sports in a way that transcends traditional sponsorship. By combining purpose-driven activation with direct financial support for local initiatives, it provides a blueprint for fostering gender equity and women’s leadership through the power of sports.

In a landscape where athletes and artists increasingly use their platforms to advocate for social change, the partnership between the Minnesota Lynx and Bon Iver stands as a powerful example of how seemingly disparate worlds can converge to create a harmonious and impactful force for good. This collaboration is not just about basketball and music; it’s about a shared vision for a more equitable and just future for Minnesota and beyond.