Full Breakdown
Cheryl Reeve Becomes WNBA’s Winningest Coach and Joins All-Star Coaching Roster
7/10/2026, 6:34:23 PM
Record-Breaking Regular-Season Victory
On Wednesday, July 9, 2026, the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Connecticut Sun 86-80 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The win marked Reeve’s 380th regular-season victory, surpassing former Sun and Washington Mystics coach Mike Thibault for the most career wins in league history. The milestone arrived as the Lynx snapped a two-game losing streak and maintained a league-leading 16-6 record.
All-Star Coaching Appointment
The same night Reeve secured the record, Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon clinched a spot as an All-Star coach after the Aces beat the Portland Fire 88-80. Both the Aces and the Lynx sit atop the standings with identical 16-6 records, satisfying the WNBA’s criterion that the two teams with the best winning percentages through Friday’s games supply the All-Star coaches. Hammon will coach one All-Star squad; Reeve will coach the other, marking her fifth All-Star coaching appearance (2013, 2014, 2017, 2025, 2026). The 2026 All-Star Game in Chicago will feature honorary general managers Teresa Weatherspoon and Cynthia Cooper, who will draft teams from a pool of 22 players.
Career Background & Milestones
Reeve, 59, has been Minnesota’s head coach since 2010 after assistant stints with Charlotte, Cleveland and Detroit. Her résumé includes four WNBA titles (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017), four Coach-of-the-Year honors (2011, 2015, 2020, 2024), and a 380-196 regular-season record (.660 winning percentage). She also holds the league-record 49 playoff wins and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in June 2026. Reeve previously tied Thibault’s win total on June 28 before eclipsing it a week later.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Reeve emphasized that the record was “a bit overwhelming” but expressed gratitude for the players and staff who helped achieve it. She noted that the celebration—gold confetti, champagne, and a dance to Usher’s “Yeah!”—reflected the collective effort of a program that has “been on this journey together for so long.” Hammon, after securing her All-Star berth, praised the competitive balance that allowed both the Aces and Lynx to lead the league.
Criticism & Opposition
No published criticism or dissenting viewpoints regarding the record or All-Star appointments appear in the available reports.
On-the-Ground Reports
Locker-room footage showed teammates chanting “Cher-yl, Cher-yl” while Reeve danced with players amid a shower of gold confetti. The atmosphere was described as celebratory rather than solemn, underscoring the emotional weight of the achievement for the coaching staff and roster.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources concur on the win total, game score, and date; no contradictory information was identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am so glad this is over,” — Cheryl Reeve, head coach, Minnesota Lynx
- “I appreciate it immensely,” — Cheryl Reeve, postgame interview
- “Learned a lot from Mike through the years,” — Cheryl Reeve, after Wednesday’s game
- “Congrats, Cheryl, so much from all the Thibault family,” — Mike Thibault, video posted on X
- “It's surreal,” — Kayla McBride, Lynx guard
What’s Next
The WNBA All-Star Game will be held on July 25, 2026, in Chicago. Honorary general managers Teresa Weatherspoon and Cynthia Cooper will conduct a draft to assemble the two All-Star teams, with Reeve and Hammon slated to coach the respective squads.
