Minnesota Lynx Acquire Guard DiJonai Carrington from Dallas Wings

The Minnesota Lynx are a professional women's basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, competing in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Founded in 1998, they began play in the 1999 season and have established themselves as one of the league's most successful franchises, capturing four WNBA championships between 2011 and 2017. The team plays its home games at the Target Center, which it shares with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves[1]. The Lynx have been home to notable players such as Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and Seimone Augustus, all of whom have contributed significantly to the team’s legacy and competitive success. Ownership of the team changed in 2024, with former MLB star Alex Rodriguez and entrepreneur Marc Lore taking over, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s business and organizational development[1]. In recent years, the Lynx have experienced fluctuations in performance. After finishing eighth in 2022 and missing the playoffs, they improved to fifth place in 2023 under head coach Cheryl Reeve. The 2025 season has seen a remarkable turnaround, with the Lynx leading the Western Conference with a strong 34-10 record and a .773 winning percentage. Key players include Napheesa Collier, who leads the team in points per game (22.9) and steals, Jessica Shepard leading in rebounds (7.3), and Courtney Williams leading in assists (6.2)[2][3]. The team’s colors—blue, green, and gray—were refreshed with new uniforms in 2021 to celebrate the WNBA’s 25th anniversary, reflecting both tradition and modern branding efforts. The Lynx continue to be a prominent figure not only in women’s basketball but also as a business entity adapting to evolving ownership and competitive landscapes[1][4].

## Organization Overview The Dallas Wings are a professional women’s basketball team competing in the Western Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)[3]. Based in Arlington, Texas, they play their home games at College Park Center on the University of Texas at Arlington campus and are owned by a group led by Bill Cameron[3]. The organization’s primary activity is competing at the highest level of women’s basketball in North America, while also engaging with the community through outreach, youth programs, and partnerships. ## History and Evolution The franchise’s roots trace back to 1998 as the Detroit Shock, one of the WNBA’s original expansion teams[3][5]. After early struggles, the Shock underwent a dramatic turnaround in 2003, winning the WNBA championship just one year after finishing with the league’s worst record—a historic achievement in American sports[3][5]. This marked the beginning of a dynasty: the Shock won three championships in six seasons (2003, 2006, 2008), establishing themselves as a powerhouse under coach Bill Laimbeer[5]. The team relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2010, becoming the Tulsa Shock, before moving again to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in 2016, rebranding as the Dallas Wings[3][5]. ## Key Achievements The franchise’s most notable achievements occurred during its Detroit era, with three WNBA championships and a reputation for resilience and excellence[3][5]. Although the Wings have yet to replicate that championship success in Dallas, the organization has developed standout players like Arike Ogunbowale and, previously, Liz Cambage, who set a WNBA single-game scoring record (53 points) while with the team in 2018[3][5]. The Wings have also been a destination for international talent, including Australian stars Cambage and Erin Phillips[5]. ## Current Status As of the

Baylor University is a renowned private research institution located in Waco, Texas, known for its strong academic programs and Christian mission. Founded in 1845, Baylor has a rich history of providing high-quality education and fostering a community that integrates academic excellence with faith and service. ### Key Achievements - **R1 Research Status**: Baylor was reaffirmed as an R1 research university in 2025, solidifying its position among the nation's top research institutions. This status reflects its high research activity, with expenditures surpassing $80 million and the awarding of over 225 research doctorates annually[2][4]. - **Academic Rankings**: Baylor ranks #91 among National Universities and #47 among top private universities according to *U.S. News & World Report*. It is particularly noted for its first-year experiences, ranking #4 nationally, and its learning communities, which are top 10 in the U.S.[1][7]. - **Innovation and Entrepreneurship**: The Princeton Review ranks Baylor's Entrepreneurship program as the 5th best in the country, highlighting its success in launching start-ups[3]. ### Current Status As of Fall 2025, Baylor has a total enrollment of approximately 19,858 students, with 14,183 undergraduates and 5,675 graduate/professional students[3]. The university offers 133 undergraduate degree programs, 82 master's programs, and 50 doctoral programs, ensuring a diverse range of academic opportunities[3]. ### Notable Aspects - **Sustainability Efforts**: Baylor has been recognized for its sustainability initiatives, earning a Silver designation from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education[4]. - **Student Success**: Baylor boasts a strong track record of student success, with 92% of graduates finding employment or entering graduate school within 180 days of graduation[3]. - **Community Engagement**: The university is committed to nurturing virtuous leadership and service, providing a holistic

The **Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)** is the premier professional women's basketball league in the United States, established in April 1996 by the NBA and beginning play in 1997. It was created to capitalize on the rising popularity of women's basketball, especially after the U.S. women's basketball team's success at the 1996 Summer Olympics[1][6]. Starting with eight teams, the league expanded to twelve teams by the late 1990s and remains the longest-running professional women's basketball league in the U.S.[1]. The WNBA has played a critical role in elevating women's professional sports and increasing visibility for female athletes. Early on, the league showcased star players like Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, who led the Houston Comets to four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000, establishing the league's first dynasty and helping to build credibility and fan interest[2]. Cooper, a four-time WNBA Finals MVP, became one of the most influential figures in women's basketball history. Despite notable achievements, the WNBA has faced persistent challenges such as financial struggles, salary disparities compared to male athletes, and competition from other leagues. Many top players supplement their income by playing overseas during the WNBA off-season[1]. The establishment of a players’ union in 1999 was a significant milestone, empowering players to advocate for better conditions and salaries[1]. Currently, the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and influence, attracting media coverage and expanding fan engagement through broadcasts and digital platforms[4][5]. It serves as a vital platform for women’s sports, inspiring young athletes and contributing to the broader conversation on gender equity in professional sports. The league’s resilience and ongoing development highlight its importance in the sports and business landscape[1][2].

The Big 12 Conference is a major collegiate athletic organization in the United States, primarily focused on NCAA Division I sports. Established in 1994 and beginning play in 1996, the Big 12 was formed by merging four Texas schools from the Southwest Conference with the Big Eight Conference, creating a powerful league known for its competitive athletics and strong regional identity[1][3][4]. The conference operates across 16 universities spanning 10 states and four time zones, including recent additions such as Brigham Young University, University of Central Florida, University of Cincinnati, and University of Houston in 2023, as well as Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah in 2024[1][3]. The Big 12 sponsors 25 sports across fall, winter, and spring seasons, with men's sports including football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, and track and field, and women's sports encompassing basketball, volleyball, softball, lacrosse, and equestrian among others. It conducts postseason championships in 24 of these sports, supporting a broad athletic ecosystem[3]. The conference boasts a rich history of success with 91 team NCAA national championships and 775 individual national champions, highlighting its prominence in collegiate athletics[3]. Throughout its history, the Big 12 has seen significant membership changes, with schools like Colorado and Nebraska leaving in the early 2010s, and Missouri and Texas A&M departing for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which remains a key competitor. Despite these shifts, the Big 12 has maintained its brand and competitiveness, adapting strategically under leadership such as current commissioner Brett Yormark, who has emphasized marketing innovation and brand building since 2022[1][3]. Notably, the conference's geographic footprint and membership have evolved to balance tradition and expansion, positioning the Big 12 as an influential player in college sports business and media rights. Its headquarters in Irving, Texas, serves as a hub for coordinating operations, media partnerships, and championship event