Minnesota Lynx to play Nigerian National Team in Pre-season

The Minnesota Lynx have announced they will face the Nigerian Women’s National Team in a preseason matchup in Kansas City on April 27. The game will mark the first time a WNBA contest has been held in Kansas City since 2005.

“We are thrilled to bring the Minnesota Lynx and the WNBA back to Kansas City,” said Linda Hargrove, president of ProHoops Sports & Events, the organization hosting the event. “Kansas City is a tremendous sports town and has consistently shown strong support for women’s athletics.”

The Lynx are among the most accomplished franchises in the WNBA, capturing league championships in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. They finished the 2025 season with a league-best 34–10 record.

“We’re excited to bring one of the WNBA’s most successful franchises to Kansas City as we prepare for the 2026 season,” said Cheryl Reeve, the team’s head coach and president of basketball operations. “It’s one of the most supportive cities in the country for women’s sports, especially women’s basketball.”

Nigeria’s national team, known as D’Tigress, is currently ranked No. 8 in the FIBA World Rankings.