Minnesota Timberwolves: Best in the NBA?

The title may be a little deceiving... I do not really think that the Timberwolves are the best team in the NBA. I do however think they are the best in the NBA with social media. Social media has become an important force in most industries, sport included. All organization utilize similar resources such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. The organizations that can separate themselves by coming up with the newest idea will stand out when compared to other organizations. The Timberwolves broke through the often crowded social media world with the creation of Wolves Nation. Wolves Nation acts in a similar fashion to Facebook and Twitter, but provide some unique features.

When fans login to Wolves Nation, they are able to sign in using their Facebook or Twitter accounts. On Wolves Nation fans can write about the team or even take pictures and videos to be put up on the site. The unique features of the site include in-game contests. The contest winners are awarded point. Points can then be used to buy discounted tickets and merchandise. The Timberwolves are also providing fans the opportunity to get involved with the game through the website. On Wolves Nation fans can help to choose what is played at the game for in-game entertainment. This includes choosing the songs and video packages played during the game. Fans are able to go on the site during the game via the mobile app that was created for the site.

Before launching the site, the Wolves had a trial period with there WNBA team, the Lynx. The site is called... not surprisingly, Lynxnation.com. The Timberwolves saw enough success with the site to mimic the layout. Another factor in deciding to create the website was the booming success in other social media outlets. Last season from the end of December 2011 to May 2012 the twitter followers for the Minnesota Timberwolves increased 115%, making there twitter handle (@MNTimberwolves) the fastest-growing official team twitter in the NBA. Overall with Facebook and Twitter, the Timberwolves ranked third in the NBA in social media growth last season.

Final Thought

What the Minnesota Timberwolves have done with there social media is outstanding. This move means so much more than just another social media site. This move will help consolidate all social media for the Timberwolves and will help solidify them as one of the best in the league at social media. I predict that most other teams will follow with websites similar to Wolves Nation. It will be interesting to see how much revenue is generated from the new site. 

 @dmrosen7

Information from: NBA.com, Lynxnation.com, Wolvesnation.com