The WNBA has recognized Cheryl Reeve with another prestigious award. Her peers, the people managing the league’s teams, have named her Basketball Executive of the Year. This marks her third time receiving this accolade, tying her with Dan Padover from the Atlanta Dream as the most selected in the award’s history.
Reeve, who serves as the head coach and president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Lynx, was the standout among executives. She appeared on 13 ballots, surpassing Padover’s 11 and Golden State’s Ohemaa Nyanin’s eight. Each of the WNBA’s 15 teams had a representative on the voting panel, and self-selection was not permitted.
“That’s a strong endorsement of Reeve from her colleagues,” said an observer. “It also signifies approval of her outspoken political stance as a leader in women’s sports.”
Reeve’s political views are a significant component of her leadership. She frequently uses her WNBA platform to challenge the notion that women’s sports should be exclusively for females.
Remarkable Season and Playoff Disappointment
The Minnesota Lynx had an exceptional regular season, finishing 33-11 and securing the top playoff seed. Reeve made strategic decisions, including drafting Olivia Miles, who became the unanimous Rookie of the Year. Miles’s performance with 790 points broke the league’s rookie scoring record.
Despite these successes, the Lynx became the first No. 1-seeded team to be swept by an eighth-seed, the New York Liberty, in the first round of playoffs. Even with standout players like rookie Miles and Napheesa Collier, who returned for the playoffs, Minnesota fell short.
Strategic Moves in Trades and Drafts
Reeve’s savvy in trades and drafting also deserves attention. She leveraged several trades to improve the team’s standing. Notably, she drafted Natasha Howard, who started every game and earned an All-Star spot.
One trade allowed the Lynx to retain their own 2026 first-round pick by sending their No. 11 pick to Chicago, illustrating Reeve’s ability to navigate complex deals for future benefits.
Leadership and Controversial Stances
Reeve’s influence extends beyond basketball strategy. She frequently voices her political views, such as wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt. Her actions stem from her dedication to inclusivity in sports, a topic of national controversy.
Her comments on the participation of transgender individuals in women’s sports have sparked debates about the boundaries of gender in athletics.
Awarding her as Executive of the Year highlights how her leadership and public statements are intertwined. Her colleagues’ celebration of her leadership speaks volumes about the values upheld within the league.
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