Napheesa Collier is no stranger to breaking new ground, as one of the co-founders of Unrivaled, but she and the Minnesota Lynx are venturing into a type of collaboration that's never been seen before in the WNBA. Collier and Grammy award-winning musician Bon Iver are partnering up to address gender inequity and its community impact using a combination of sports and music.

Collier and Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, a long-time Lynx fan, appeared on ESPN's NBA Today with Malika Andrews to unveil the groundbreaking news to the public.

“The Lynx, way before I got here, has always represented standing up for what's right, social justice, closing the barrier with inequity, especially [on] the women's side, standing up for women and empowering them,” Collier started. “Merging music and basketball, [there are] so many similarities in that … we work in different fields, but we have the same goal.”

Vernon then explained his involvement and why the cause felt personal to him. “I just wanted to figure out a way to support the team and the organization, but also I was so inspired by the community action you all take and the impact that you have in the community,” he said.

Related Minnesota Lynx NewsArticle continues below
Featured image Minnesota Lynx
Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier drops truth bomb on heartbreaking 2024 WNBA Finals loss
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier celebrates with Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams against the Dallas Wings during the second half at College Park Center.
Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams spoil Paige Bueckers’ debut in dominant win
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) drives to the basket as Dallas Wings forward Myisha Hines-Allen (2) defends during the first half at College Park Center.
Wings left searching for answers after Napheesa Collier’s dominant season opener

Lynx President of Business Operations Carley Knox expressed the significance of the move to the team. “We are incredibly excited about this innovative and first-of-its-kind partnership, centered around community impact and the cultural connection of sports and music,” she began.

“Justin is an incredibly passionate supporter of the Lynx, and our complete value alignment has allowed us to create a partnership focused on meaningful societal change,” Knox said.

After the official announcement, Knox then took to X, formerly Twitter, to continue her thoughts. “So incredibly proud of our newest partnership and the impact we will have on our community! Justin and his team are the real deal!” she concluded.

The multi-year initiative, which begins alongside the Lynx's 2025 WNBA season, aims to focus on the topics of health care disparities, barriers in education and leadership, domestic and sexual violence, and sex trafficking. Vernon already has experience working in these areas, as he helped create the “2 A Billion” campaign that raises awareness and support for the same public issues.