MINNESOTA LYNX TO HOST VERIZON WNBA ALL-STAR 2018

– WNBA’s Midseason Showcase to Tip Off for First Time in the Twin Cities –

NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2017 – Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018, the league’s midseason showcase, will be played on Saturday, July 28 in Minneapolis. This marks the first time the Twin Cities and the Lynx, which has appeared in the WNBA Finals in five of the last six seasons, will host the All-Star Game. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Verizon, which became the WNBA’s leaguewide marquee partner in 2016, will serve as the title partner of the All-Star Game for the second consecutive year. Telecast information will be announced at a later date.

“We’re thrilled to bring Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 to the Twin Cities and the great Lynx fan base for the first time,” said WNBA President Lisa Borders. “Minnesota’s fans have passionately filled Target Center for three championships and five Finals series over the last six seasons, and with the arena undergoing a spectacular renovation this summer, I can’t think of a better venue for Verizon WNBA All-Star. Lynx fans also have watched from afar as their very own Maya Moore won MVP honors in our last two All-Star games and now they’ll have a chance to see the best of the best from across the WNBA together at one time in their home arena.”

The bid for the Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 was created through a partnership between the Minnesota Lynx and Sports Minneapolis, powered by Meet Minneapolis. The game will be held in the newly renovated Target Center where the Lynx will play the 2018 season and their 20th season as a franchise.

“On behalf of our organization, our fans, our staff, and the people of the Twin Cities, it is an honor to bring Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 to Minnesota,” said Lynx & Timberwolves CEO Ethan Casson. “The combination of this vibrant locale and our passionate fan base will make this the perfect showcase for the best women’s basketball players in the world.”

Tickets to Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 will go on sale in spring 2018. Further details on tickets for Lynx season-ticket holders will come at a later date.

“Minneapolis is honored to host the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game, which will bring the best basketball players in the world to our region,” added Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “As the home of the three-time WNBA champion Lynx, Minneapolis – and the entire Twin Cities region – is a proud supporter of the WNBA. This opportunity to bring a world-class event such as the WNBA All-Star Game to Target Center is something we celebrate today and look forward to celebrating next summer.”

“Minnesota has the best fans in the WNBA, and I am so proud that my home state, our organization and Target Center will host Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018,” said Lynx guard and five-time WNBA All-Star Lindsay Whalen, a native of Hutchinson and product of the University of Minnesota. “Lynx fans have packed Target Center for multiple WNBA Finals and I think the All-Star Game will be an equally spectacular scene.”

The most recent WNBA All-Star Game, held July 22 at KeyArena in Seattle, saw the Western Conference defeat the Eastern Conference 130-121 in front of 15,221 fans. The Lynx’s Maya Moore scored 23 points to earn MVP honors for the second straight All-Star contest. In 2015, Moore scored an All-Star Game record 30 points to go with six rebounds and five assists as she led the West past the East, 117-112. There was no game in 2016 due to the Summer Olympics.

The 2017 WNBA regular season runs through Sept. 3 and the playoffs begin on Sept. 6. For more information on the WNBA and game tickets, fans may visit www.wnba.com.

WNBA ALL-STAR GAME HISTORY

Date Location Result

July 14, 1999 Madison Square Garden (New York) West 79, East 61

July 17, 2000 America West Arena (Phoenix) West 73, East 61

July 16, 2001 TD Waterhouse Centre (Orlando, Fla.) West 80, East 72

July 15, 2002 MCI Center (Washington) West 81, East 76

July 12, 2003 Madison Square Garden (New York) West 84, East 75

July 9, 2005 Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.) West 122, East 99

July 12, 2006 Madison Square Garden (New York) East 98, West 82

July 15, 2007 Verizon Center (Washington) East 103, West 99

July 25, 2009 Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.) West 130, East 118

July 23, 2011 AT&T Center (San Antonio) East 118, West 113

July 27, 2013 Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.) West 102, East 98

July 19, 2014 US Airways Center (Phoenix) East 125, West 124

July 25, 2015 Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Conn.) West 117, East 112

July 22, 2017 KeyArena (Seattle, Wash.) West 130, East 121

*In 2010, in advance of the FIBA World Championship, and in 2004, prior to the Athens Olympics, the U.S. Women’s National Team, comprised primarily of WNBA players, squared off against a team of WNBA stars in an exhibition match. No game was held in 2008, 2012 or 2016 prior to the Olympic Games in Beijing, London and Rio, respectively.

About the WNBA
The WNBA – which features 12 teams and is the most successful women’s professional team sports league in the world – is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity. The league, which counts Verizon as its leaguewide marquee partner, tipped off its 21st season on May 13, 2017.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York City, has a diverse workforce of 163,400 and generated nearly $126 billion in 2016 revenues. Verizon operates America's most reliable wireless network and the nation's premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to businesses worldwide. Its Oath subsidiary houses more than 50 media and technology brands that engage about 1 billion people around the world.