The Commissioner's Cup runs from June 1-17, featuring each team playing one game against every other team in their conference.
The team in each conference with the best record advances to the Commissioner's Cup Championship on July 1, competing for a $500,000 prize pool.
Each WNBA team partners with a local charitable organization, with money awarded for each Cup game win and loss.
The Indiana Fever has announced Peace Learning Center as their beneficiary of the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, supporting the WNBA’s Anti-Hate Platform: No Space for Hate.
Why does this matter? The Commissioner's Cup not only adds excitement to the WNBA season but also supports important community initiatives, making each game more meaningful.
The WNBA Commissioner's Cup, established in 2020 and officially launched in 2021, aims to boost player earnings and develop conference-based storylines. The Seattle Storm won the inaugural cup in 2021.
Format and Tiebreakers:
Each team plays one game against every team in their conference. Western Conference teams play six Cup games due to the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, while Eastern Conference teams play five. Tiebreakers are determined by:
Average point differential in all Cup games.
Head-to-head matchups.
Coin flip (never used).
Charitable Impact:
Each team partners with a local charity, receiving $3,000 per Cup win and $1,000 per loss. The Cup Final winner's charity gets an additional $10,000, and the runner-up's charity receives $5,000.
Key Matchups:
Washington Mystics @ Indiana Fever (June 3): The Fever, without Caitlin Clark, face the Mystics. How will Aari McDonald, signed on an emergency hardship contract, impact the game?
Phoenix Mercury @ Minnesota Lynx (June 3): A rematch where both teams aim to remain undefeated in Commissioner’s Cup play.
Atlanta Dream @ Connecticut Sun (June 6): The Sun look to rebound after a significant loss, facing a strong Dream offense.
Las Vegas Aces @ Golden State Valkyries (June 7): Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase faces her former team, the Aces.
Indiana Fever @ Chicago Sky (June 7): Even without Caitlin Clark, this game is a chance to see how Chicago exploits a vulnerable Indiana team.
Historical Context:
The Commissioner's Cup was created to mirror the NBA’s in-season tournament but with a unique charitable component, emphasizing the WNBA's commitment to social responsibility.
Q: What is the Commissioner's Cup?
It's an annual in-season competition in the WNBA that raises money for charities and fosters conference rivalries.
Q: How is the winner determined?
The team in each conference with the best record in Cup games advances to the championship game.
Q: How much is the prize pool?
The teams compete for a $500,000 prize pool.
Q: How do the charities benefit?
Charities receive money for each win and loss, with additional funds for the Cup Final winner and runner-up.
The WNBA Commissioner's Cup is more than just a tournament; it's a platform for community support and exciting basketball.
Key dates to watch: June 1-17 for initial Cup games and July 1 for the Championship game.
Keep an eye on emerging players and team dynamics as teams adjust to injuries and new additions.
The Indiana Fever's partnership with Peace Learning Center highlights the league's commitment to inclusivity and anti-hate initiatives.
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