Minneapolis native Brynne Crockett, known professionally as BdotCroc, steps into the spotlight as the Minnesota Lynx’s new in-arena host at Target Center for the 2025 season. The award-winning rapper and radio personality brings her magnetic energy to WNBA audiences as the team pursues another championship title, marking a significant evolution in her entertainment career.
Crockett has established herself as a cornerstone of Twin Cities hip-hop culture, earning Best Female MC recognition at the Twin Cities Hip-Hop Awards through her distinctive artistic voice. Her performance resume includes sharing stages with major acts at Soundset, Minnesota’s premier hip-hop festival, along with numerous national appearances that have solidified her reputation as a dynamic performer well before taking on her new role with the Lynx organization.
Crockett recently spoke with rolling out about her new role with the Lynx.
What attracted you to the role of in-arena host?
I’ve always been fascinated with multimedia, entertainment, and journalism, especially when it comes to sports or music. Since announcing at North Community High School, I have found a passion and joy in participating in the in-game operations and have become a known voice. While doing broadcasting and radio at KMOJ for a few years, I enjoyed creating the vibe and interviewing artists and community members on the show. Learning different hits on the show and getting callers engaged to listen and call in. When I heard about the in-arena position, I could marry the three things I enjoy: broadcasting, building community, and sports.
What was the interview process?
The interview process was very straightforward, with three rounds that started with a provided pre-written script, and I had to record an audition tape doing the variable hits and submit it. The second round was an in-arena audition where a handful of Lynx/Timberwolves staff judged me as I read different hits and went through real-game scenarios. The third round was an intimate interview with the director and presentation manager, who was getting to know more about me as an individual and host. I could feel at that moment that I was the fit they were looking for, so when I got the call on Good Friday, being a very spiritual person, it felt like God had their hands on this opportunity.
As the new in-arena host for the Minnesota Lynx, what unique energy do you hope to bring to Target Center this season?
A confident, electric, hometown pride feeling matches the energy the players and fans already provide. Being a Minnesota Lynx fan for so long in the stands, I have a significant advantage in knowing what experiences I want fans to leave with and remember even when things aren’t going our way.
How does your professional persona as BdotCroc differ from your personal identity, and how will that translate to entertaining Lynx fans?
Being a hip-hop artist and performer, I have had my fair share of big stage moments, but this differs because BdotCroc is the musician, but Bdot is the personality. Bdot builds community through connection and entertainment. I have used my voice beyond music, being a community organizer, youth worker, on-air personality at KMOJ, and PA announcer at high school basketball games. People have been impressed by my rhymes for over a decade, but there is a new fascination with my voice beyond lyrics, and I look forward to sharpening and embracing that more in this new role. Building community with the Lynx fan base by being authentic and adaptive to the culture I have been a part of as a fan, I always put that experience first.
How will you prepare for each game to ensure you’re creating memorable experiences for fans?
Grounding myself first and foremost so I have the endurance to keep the energy. I am rehearsing and learning from the entertainment team around me to prepare for the moment ahead. Stay versed in as much information about the opposing teams we are playing as well as the leaps our own Lynx players are making during the season’s progression. Trying new things, seeing what fans are more engaged by, and taking constructive criticism to continue to create a better experience every game. Most importantly, I want to ensure that I am having fun and being present instead of trying to be perfect!
What aspects of women’s basketball will you find most compelling to highlight during in-game entertainment?
The depth of our team, the Lynx, is excellent and fundamental. We play with so much swag and finesse, and I want to highlight the ladies’ efforts on the floor, the championship legacy they carry, and the players’ personalities and stories. They are as powerful off the court as on, active, and at the forefront of specific social movements, celebrating different milestones and accomplishments as they are achieved.
What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of your role as an in-arena host, and how will you overcome it?
The most challenging part will be adjusting to the tempo of the league and pacing my energy so I don’t burn out. Familiarizing myself with scripts to make them my voice and not sound prompted. I plan to overcome this by gaging and learning momentum shifts, staying hydrated, exercising my vocal cords, and practicing as much as possible with my scripts.
Which elements of the fan experience at Target Center are you most excited to enhance or reimagine?
I am excited to engage more directly with the crowd using interactive games that connect to Lynx history, women’s sports
milestones, or local culture in Minnesota. Connect with the fan base by mic’ing them up during a game and spotlighting different parts, doing in arena competitions to see who can bring the most energy.
What do you believe makes a successful in-arena host, and how do you measure that success?
What makes a successful in-arena host is someone who is not just loud but genuine and dedicated to creating a memorable experience for the fans, regardless of the game’s outcome. They are not just hyped but have meaningful interactions with the crowd and players. They are flexible and adaptable in uncertain situations and always keep the fan’s experience first. I will measure that success by the amount of fan energy and participation, feedback, and retention pre- and post-game.
