The Minnesota Lynx “have enjoyed a tremendous business boost” since drafting F Maya Moore with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s WNBA Draft, according to Ellen Horrow of USA TODAY. After drafting Moore, the Lynx launched a “multitiered marketing and public relations campaign” to introduce the former UConn star. In the 24 hours following the draft, the Lynx sold “more than 150 new season tickets and added a sponsor on the media backdrop for the first time in franchise history, and social media and website activity increased 400%.” Since last year, the Lynx have added “about 300 new full-season ticket holders.” In addition, the Lynx "have launched separate advertising campaigns targeted to specific demographics, including the young male demo that might have watched Moore’s rise to stardom with UConn on ESPN’s women’s basketball telecasts.” WNBA officials said that some teams are "beginning to market home games" against the Lynx, and "leveraging Lynx games to sell tickets to other games” (USA TODAY, 6/3). Lynx COO Conrad Smith said, "There is an unbelievable buzz out there. ... I just don't recall a time when there has been so much buzz and excitement about our team. The buzz is definitely in the air." Lynx ticket sales "have remained brisk" since April's draft. Smith said, "The interest in the Lynx has really skyrocketed" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 6/3).
STORM WATCH: SI's Andrew Lawrence reports the Seattle Storm have "increased franchise revenues by 75% and transformed the team into the hottest ticket in town" since '08, when Clay Bennett sold the WNBA franchise to a local ownership group. The recent success is due in part to the new ownership group's "strong ties to the Seattle business community." Storm's President & CEO Karen Bryant said, "Shortly after the team was purchased in '08, we stopped talking about whether we were going to make it and started to ask ourselves, How big can we be?" Lawrence notes the "answer is huge -- enough for players and coaches to earn the celebrity treatment themselves.” Fourth-year coach Brian Agler said, “You’re recognized the moment you leave your home to the time you get back” (SI, 6/6 issue).
