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Lynx's Reeve invests in Minnesota Aurora FC

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 19:00 GMT by ESPN
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Cheryl Reeve, Former Minnesota Lynx Coach, Puts Her Money Where Her Passion Is: Investing in Minnesota Aurora FC

In a move that could reshape the future of women’s soccer in the North Star State, former Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve announced that she will invest in the newly‑formed Minnesota Aurora FC. The announcement came amid a growing push to create a more robust ecosystem for women’s professional soccer in the United States, and it signals that Reeve is eager to build on her legacy beyond the WNBA.

Who is Cheryl Reeve?

Reeve led the Minnesota Lynx to four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017) during her 15‑year tenure as head coach. A former WNBA player, she is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most influential figures. After stepping down as the Lynx coach in 2023, Reeve has been actively involved in various sports initiatives in Minnesota, from youth development programs to the state’s new National Basketball Association (NBA) expansion draft. Her passion for empowering female athletes has earned her the moniker “Queen of the Court,” and now she appears poised to apply that same dedication to soccer.

What is Minnesota Aurora FC?

Minnesota Aurora FC is a brand-new professional soccer club that was officially announced last month as a charter member of the United Soccer League’s (USL) Women’s League. The team will compete in the USL W League, the highest tier of women’s soccer outside the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The club’s mission statement emphasizes community engagement, youth development, and a commitment to creating a high‑profile, locally supported women’s team that can serve as a potential stepping‑stone to the NWSL in the future.

The club’s ownership group includes a mix of local entrepreneurs, sports executives, and community leaders, all of whom have pledged to create a “competitive, inclusive, and sustainable” organization. With a state‑of‑the‑art training facility in Bloomington and a stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Aurora FC plans to be an integral part of the city’s sporting landscape.

Why Cheryl Reeve?

Reeve’s investment in Aurora FC is the latest chapter in her long‑standing commitment to elevating women’s sports in Minnesota. She sees the club as an opportunity to expand the reach of high‑level women’s soccer and to create a “pipeline” that connects local girls and college athletes to a professional environment. In her statement, Reeve highlighted that the Aurora FC project aligns with her core values:

“I’ve spent my career working to give young female athletes a platform to excel. Aurora FC is an exciting new venture that can offer those athletes a real pathway into professional soccer right here in our state.”

Reeve’s role will primarily be that of a minority investor and strategic advisor. She is expected to bring her marketing expertise, experience in talent development, and her extensive network of sponsors and donors to the table. Her involvement also adds a degree of credibility that could help the club secure broadcasting deals, community partnerships, and potential NWSL affiliation in the long run.

The Broader Impact on Minnesota Soccer

Minnesota has long been a hotbed for soccer talent. With the success of the U.S. women’s national team in recent years, there has been a surge in interest at the grassroots level. The addition of Aurora FC is expected to address the “missing link” in the player development pathway. The club plans to field a U‑23 team that will compete in the USL W League’s development division, giving local players exposure to a higher level of play.

The team’s leadership also intends to collaborate closely with the existing Minnesota United FC (MLS) organization. A partnership could allow for shared training facilities, joint marketing initiatives, and even a youth academy that feeds into both clubs. By forging ties between the two major soccer franchises, Aurora FC hopes to foster a more cohesive soccer community across the state.

Community and Youth Development Initiatives

Beyond the on‑field product, Aurora FC has laid out a robust community outreach strategy. Plans include:

• “Girls on Grass” clinics – monthly soccer clinics in Minneapolis and St. Paul aimed at 7‑ to 14‑year‑olds.
• Scholarship fund – a partnership with local colleges to offer scholarships for outstanding female soccer players.
• Mentorship programs – pairing current players with local high‑school athletes to provide guidance and support.

Reeve’s presence in the organization is expected to accelerate these initiatives. She has a history of spearheading mentorship and scholarship programs during her tenure with the Lynx, and she is eager to replicate that model in soccer.

Potential Pathways to the NWSL

While Aurora FC will compete in the USL W League for the foreseeable future, the club has expressed an interest in becoming an NWSL franchise if the league expands into the Midwest. Reeve has been a vocal advocate for the NWSL’s growth and has hinted that a Minnesota-based NWSL team would make sense “logistically and financially.” Her connections within the league and her reputation as a sports executive could help the club secure a slot should an expansion opportunity arise.

What’s Next?

Aurora FC is scheduled to begin its inaugural season in the USL W League in early 2025. The club’s first head coach will be announced in the coming months, with Reeve expected to play a role in the selection process. Meanwhile, the club’s marketing team is working on branding and fan‑engagement strategies, aiming to launch a robust social‑media presence and a “soccer‑for‑all” fan experience.

The investment also opens doors for potential corporate sponsorships. Reeve’s network includes several major Minnesota businesses that have expressed interest in supporting women’s soccer. This could provide the financial stability needed to ensure long‑term viability.

Final Thoughts

Cheryl Reeve’s entry into Minnesota Aurora FC represents a significant moment for women's sports in the state. Her deep experience as a coach, executive, and community advocate uniquely positions her to help the club thrive. As the Aurora FC community gears up for its first season, Reeve’s involvement underscores a broader vision: to create a high‑quality, locally rooted platform that not only showcases the best of Minnesota’s female athletes but also lays the groundwork for future generations to pursue professional careers in soccer.

In the words of Reeve, “If we can give our young women a chance to dream, we can give them the tools to make that dream a reality.” With Aurora FC on the horizon, Minnesota’s women’s soccer landscape looks set to get a major boost, and the state’s athletes now have another promising avenue for achieving professional success.