When we think of Prince, we think of many of his timeless classics, his unique sense of style, his creativity, and his ability to change the lives of so many by not conforming to societal norms. One thing that many do not know is how big of a sports fan he was, and one of his favorite teams to watch were our 2015 WNBA Champions Minnesota Lynx.
Prince in attendance for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals
The Minneapolis native was often seen at both Lynx and Minnesota Timberwolves games, watching the games in a cool yet attentive manner. After witnessing the Lynx put on one of the best WNBA Finals performances in history, Prince took to Twitter to congratulate the champions:
!!!PROPS ‘N’ POUNDS 2 THE MINNESOTA LYNX!!! pic.twitter.com/K921uGDL6A
— Prince (@prince) October 15, 2015
But it didn’t stop there. The celebration moved to his Paisley Park compound where he threw a 3 hour invite-only party for the Lynx players and staff as well as Target Center personnel. According to the Star Tribune’s feature story, Prince and his band kicked things off with “Purple Rain” around 12:30 a.m. CT and he continued to perform many of his hits, even inviting several of the players to dance on stage with him.
It goes without saying the untimely passing yesterday rocked all of our world’s. Lynx and Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor released this statement upon hearing the tragic news:
“Today we lost a local icon, legend and musical innovator. Prince represented Minnesota with grace, passion and a hunger for helping others. Over the years be became a huge Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx fan, attending numerous games and even treating our Lynx players and staff with a private concert at Paisley Park after winning the WNBA Championship this past fall. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy, especially the Prince family.”
Members of the Lynx organization took to social media to express their condolences and to pay tribute to the fallen icon:
When doves cry, Lynx cry. #RIPPrince pic.twitter.com/XgcfdnN95D
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) April 21, 2016
Prince. RIP. I’ll never forget the explosion in the locker room when we found out he was performing for us after game 5 last season.
— Lindsay Whalen (@Lindsay_13) April 21, 2016
I will always be grateful for his generosity that evening to perform for us. It was truly amazing. #minnesotasown
— Lindsay Whalen (@Lindsay_13) April 21, 2016
So bummed to hear the news about Prince. I really feel like it was just the other day I was dancing with him ? Ooo wee oh. OoooOoooh
— Renee Montgomery (@Da20one) April 21, 2016
My heart weeps.
— Kalana Greene (@theladykg) April 21, 2016
— Kalana Greene (@theladykg) April 21, 2016
A photo posted by Seimone Augustus (@moneymone33) on
The cause of his death is still under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with loved ones, band, and fans around the world.
