NEW YORK — The WNBA has awarded the 2018 All-Star game to the Minnesota Lynx, a first for the franchise that will have a remodeled arena to flaunt next season.

The league announced Saturday that the annual summer showcase will be played July 28 at Target Center, the home of the Lynx and NBA’s Timberwolves in downtown Minneapolis. The 27-year-old facility has been undergoing a $140 million renovation to be finished next month.

The project has forced the Lynx to play home games this season at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. They’ll start the WNBA semifinals Sept. 12 at Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota.

The Lynx have played in five of the last six finals, winning three titles. Forward Maya Moore was named MVP of the last two All-Star games.