Indie folk musician and Bon Iver songwriter Justin Vernon recently made a striking prediction about WNBA star Napheesa Collier and her teammate Alanna Smith, who is signed for $300,000. This announcement came as part of a unique collaboration between Vernon and the Minnesota Lynx aimed at addressing gender inequity through the combined power of sports and music.
The partnership was initially revealed on May 19 via the Minnesota Lynx’s official communication channels. This alliance marks the first time a professional sports team has formally joined with a recording artist to promote social causes. The initiative aligns with Bon Iver’s “2 A Billion” campaign, which campaigns to end gender inequality, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
Vernon’s Personal Motivation and Vision for the Collaboration
In a conversation with MPR News, Vernon shared how his relationship with his mother inspired his involvement in this cause. He proactively reached out to the Lynx management, seeking ways to contribute beyond financial support.
“I went to them and asked, ‘What can we do? How can we help? How can we combine forces?’” Vernon said. “It’s not just the money we raise, it’s trying to raise awareness of these organizations in general,” he explained.
As a dedicated supporter of the Lynx, Vernon frequently attends games at the Target Center and has voiced his confidence in the team’s prospects this season.
“Easy. Defensive player of the year: Alanna Smith. MVP: Phee. And the championship,” he said.
Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith’s Impact on the Lynx’s Season
Napheesa Collier has been living up to Vernon’s MVP prediction throughout the current season, consistently delivering high performance on the court. Her teammate, Alanna Smith, who secured a two-year contract worth $300,000 last season, has become a defensive cornerstone for the Lynx. Their combined efforts have helped the team secure the top spot in the WNBA standings, positioning them as strong contenders for the championship.
Reflecting on Last Season’s WNBA Finals Heartbreak
Last year, the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty clashed in a memorable WNBA Finals series that stretched to five games, with an overtime in the decisive match. The series was highly competitive but ended with controversy after a crucial late-game call enabled the Liberty to force overtime and ultimately win the title.
In a recent interview with Taylor Rooks, Napheesa Collier opened up about the difficulty of moving on from that loss, expressing her competitive nature openly.
“I feel like (the finals loss) is something hard to get over, and I’m honestly not going to apologize for that… calling me a sore loser… I am a sore loser,” she explained.
Current Season Outlook and MVP Race
The Lynx are currently leading the league standings and are viewed as front-runners for this year’s WNBA championship. Napheesa Collier is also a leading candidate for the MVP award, averaging an impressive 24.4 points per game. Her performance, alongside Smith’s defensive strengths, remains a key factor in the Lynx’s championship ambitions.
The Broader Significance of the Vernon-Lynx Partnership
This collaboration represents a significant step in combining entertainment and sports to push forward social justice causes. By leveraging their platforms together, Vernon and the Lynx aim not only to support fundraising efforts but also to raise awareness of gender inequity and related issues within society. If successful, this model could inspire similar partnerships between artists and sports franchises in the future.