NEW YORK – Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018, the league’s midseason showcase, will be played on Saturday, July 28 in Minneapolis.  This marks the first time the Twin Cities and the Lynx, which has appeared in the WNBA Finals in five of the last six seasons, will host the All-Star Game. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Verizon, which became the WNBA’s leaguewide marquee partner in 2016, will serve as the title partner of the All-Star Game for the second consecutive year. Telecast information will be announced at a later date.

“We’re thrilled to bring Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 to the Twin Cities and the great Lynx fan base for the first time,” said WNBA President Lisa Borders.  “Minnesota’s fans have passionately filled Target Center for three championships and five Finals series over the last six seasons, and with the arena undergoing a spectacular renovation this summer, I can’t think of a better venue for Verizon WNBA All-Star.  Lynx fans also have watched from afar as their very own Maya Moore won MVP honors in our last two All-Star games and now they’ll have a chance to see the best of the best from across the WNBA together at one time in their home arena.”

The bid for the Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 was created through a partnership between the Minnesota Lynx and Sports Minneapolis, powered by Meet Minneapolis. The game will be held in the newly renovated Target Center where the Lynx will play the 2018 season and their 20^th season as a franchise.

“On behalf of our organization, our fans, our staff, and the people of the Twin Cities, it is an honor to bring Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 to Minnesota,” said Lynx & Timberwolves CEO Ethan Casson. “The combination of this vibrant locale and our passionate fan base will make this the perfect showcase for the best women’s basketball players in the world.”

Tickets to Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018 will go on sale in spring 2018. Further details on tickets for Lynx season-ticket holders will come at a later date.

“Minneapolis is honored to host the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game, which will bring the best basketball players in the world to our region,” added Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges.  “As the home of the three-time WNBA champion Lynx, Minneapolis – and the entire Twin Cities region – is a proud supporter of the WNBA. This opportunity to bring a world-class event such as the WNBA All-Star Game to Target Center is something we celebrate today and look forward to celebrating next summer.”

“Minnesota has the best fans in the WNBA, and I am so proud that my home state, our organization and Target Center will host Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018,” said Lynx guard and five-time WNBA All-Star Lindsay Whalen, a native of Hutchinson and product of the University of Minnesota. “Lynx fans have packed Target Center for multiple WNBA Finals and I think the All-Star Game will be an equally spectacular scene.”

The most recent WNBA All-Star Game, held July 22 at KeyArena in Seattle, saw the Western Conference defeat the Eastern Conference 130-121 in front of 15,221 fans.  The Lynx’s Maya Moore scored 23 points to earn MVP honors for the second straight All-Star contest.  In 2015, Moore scored an All-Star Game record 30 points to go with six rebounds and five assists as she led the West past the East, 117-112. There was no game in 2016 due to the Summer Olympics.

The 2017 WNBA regular season runs through Sept. 3 and the playoffs begin on Sept. 6.  For more information on the WNBA and game tickets, fans may visit www.wnba.com.