You’ve probably heard that the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx are undefeated after 8 games this season. But what you might not know is that the Lynx also winning off-the-court — in a major way. That’s why they’re bringing home top honors as our Win of the Week, with the historic partnership they forged with Bon Iver to tackle critical gender equity issues across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

We have to move a little bit further East, though, to shout-out this week’s Mic Drop. Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), the owner of multiple pro teams in Washington D.C., is championing sports as a vehicle for girls empowerment in an initiative that leverages all of their teams to directly impact the local community. We’re spotting a trend here in terms of ownership groups creating collective good, similar to what Smith Group Entertainment (SGE), the company that pretty much owns all of Utah’s major franchises, is doing there with expanding access to hockey.

Speaking of trends, we’re putting this week’s Download Desk spotlight on financial brand partnerships. Two in particular, Visa and Thrivent, are take a more holistic approach to their deals by going beyond content plays and naming rights. They understand the exponential value that exists when they bring their expertise to the table to benefit the next generation, and they’re making it rain in the very best way.

Last but not least, we sit down for a chat with Amar Shah — a professor at the NCAA championship-winning University of Florida, an award-winning producer, and a member of our Board of Advisors. Amar’s passion for sports and storytelling is a big part of what WIN | WIN is all about, and whew, does he have some stories to share.

If you spot more good out there in the sports world that you think we should cover, let us know by sending us a Tip-Off. We’re always on the hunt for more reasons to love your heroes, and more ways to inspire athletes and teams to keep building their legacies.

Until next week,
The WIN | WIN Team

A musician with homegrown, Twin Cities’ roots.

A team (and a league) with a deep history of involvement in social justice and gender equity initiatives.

A first-of-its-kind partnership through the Lynx Changemakers program, with Bon Iver committing $250,000 in grants to 13 dedicated nonprofit organizations and shelters across Minnesota and western Wisconsin — all focused on tackling critical gender inequities, including domestic violence, sex trafficking, healthcare disparities, and educational barriers.

This WOTW has so much potential, and in a new section of our Downloads, we’re sharing even more ideas to amplify the impact.

When it comes to brand partnerships with a purpose, financial companies are having a moment. They’re realizing that the magic they bring to the table isn’t just about amplifying the players or leagues they’re backing, but also about growing the good they’re able to do in the world. Our two spotlight stories below prove that there’s more to winning in sponsorships than logos and naming rights.

Last week, Amy and Cody had a chance to sit down with Amar Shah — a professor of media and entrepreneurship, a published author, and an award-winning producer — to talk about how his passion for sports was ignited, and how the media landscape has changed since he and Shaq (you read that right) first graced the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids together.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, AND have a story to tell about the power of sports to create positive social change, we want to amplify your voice — and your impact — by sharing your story.