In a stunning development that has rocked the WNBA, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve announced her immediate resignation on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences with league officials in the wake of a controversial playoff ejection and suspension. The move ends Reeve’s illustrious 16-year tenure with the Lynx, during which she transformed the franchise into a dynasty, securing four championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and earning four Coach of the Year honors.
The fallout traces back to Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury on September 26. Trailing 84-76 with 21.8 seconds left, Reeve was ejected after confronting officials over a no-call that left star forward Napheesa Collier writhing in pain on the court, clutching her ankle. Collier, a five-time All-Star, was ruled out with a severe sprain, sidelining her for the decisive Game 4.
Reeve’s postgame presser ignited the firestorm. Visibly furious, she lambasted the league’s officiating as “inconsistent and sub-standard,” accusing it of favoring physical play at the expense of player safety. “This isn’t basketball; it’s a demolition derby,” Reeve thundered, calling for a “complete overhaul of leadership” in WNBA refereeing. She refused questions, storming out after two blistering minutes.
The WNBA responded swiftly. On September 27, Reeve was suspended for Game 4 and fined $15,000 for “aggressively pursuing officials, verbal abuse, and inappropriate comments to fans.” Assistants Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson drew $500 fines each. The league’s hammer extended to allies: Indiana’s Stephanie White and Las Vegas’s Becky Hammon were slapped with $1,000 penalties for publicly backing Reeve’s critique.
Without Reeve, the Lynx fell 92-88 in Game 4, ending their season in a heartbreaking 3-1 series defeat. Phoenix advanced, only to lose in the finals. Post-elimination, Reeve’s reflections grew darker. In an October exit interview, she labeled the punishment “unprecedented and punitive,” hinting at deeper frustrations over years of perceived slights against her team.
Sources close to Reeve say the incident was the breaking point in a simmering feud. As both coach and president of basketball operations since 2022, she had long advocated for better resources amid the league’s explosive growth. “Cheryl stood on business for her players,” said guard Courtney Williams. “But the league couldn’t handle the heat.”
Reeve’s departure leaves a void. Her 30-10 regular-season record in 2025 set franchise marks, and she helmed the U.S. Olympic gold-medal run in Paris. Fans flooded social media with tributes, hailing her as the “GOAT coach.” The Lynx, fresh off a Commissioner’s Cup win, now scramble for a successor amid uncertainty.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a terse statement: “We respect Cheryl’s contributions but prioritize integrity.” Whispers of a potential lawsuit swirl, as Reeve’s camp eyes legal recourse over the fines and suspension.
For Minnesota, the sting is acute. Reeve’s exit caps a season of promise turned bitter, underscoring tensions in a league chasing NBA shadows. As one exec noted anonymously, “She didn’t just coach; she built an empire. They’ll miss her fire.”
