On & Off The Court: Minn. Lynx Climbing To New Heights

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- On the court, the Minnesota Lynx are the hottest professional team in town. But off the court, they are having just as much success.

The team won the WNBA championship last year and this year three of its marquee players won Olympic gold in London. Now, the front office is seeing a surge in ticket sales and corporate sponsorships.

The Lynx are 21-4 and are heading to the playoffs and a possible run at another WNBA championship. Their success on the court has translated to success off the court, in ways team executives never dreamed of.

"Our job is to create a home court advantage for the players, " said Chris Wright.

There is nothing more electric than the crowd at a Minnesota Lynx game. A winning record, Olympic gold and a WNBA championship has led to this, fans packing the stands every game.

"The Target Center is packed each and every night and well over 9-thousand for all of our game through this season," Wright said.

Lynx President Chris Wright says the team has had six consecutive sellout games, the longest sellout streak since the team's inaugural season.

The marketing, the branding of this WNBA franchise is helping the team evolve into the crown jewel of professional sports in Minnesota.

"This has been an incredible year at the turn styles," Wright said.

Ticket sales have been good the season ticket holder base has doubled since last season.

"Already sold over 200 new full season tickets next year group sales are up exponentially year after year single game tickets are up year after year," Wright said.

What's more exciting is the support the team is getting from the community.

Corporate sponsorships have doubled since 2010, making the Lynx third in the league for the amount of corporate dollars it generates.

"When you've got a franchise in Chicago and you got a franchise in New York and LA that's not too bad," Wright said.

The Lynx have really hit a fever pitch in the community.

Wright says he is proud to be a part of a team and owner who believes in gender equality. Owner Glen Taylor feels if he can afford to pay Kevin Love he can afford to pay Lyndsay Whalen or Maya Moore, he wants them too to be able to make a living doing what they love to do.

Many on the team also have endorsement deals, too. Maya Moore was the first female athlete ever to sign with Jordan brand her rookie year.