One of the league’s most talked-about events in recent times, the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is a new regular season with a different flavour. The Cup not only re-energizes the rivalry between teams but also facilitates the discovery of the best players and the development of the new ones. It also energizes and at the same time influences the players’ mindset since the Cup is not just about bragging rights. Certainly, observing fans will observe some select matchups as if they carry more weight, and players get the incentive of the game besides the usual motivation from the standings. Besides, as the tournament progresses, it generates excitement that culminates in a high-stakes final match. Combining the new with the old, the Commissioner’s Cup is rapidly becoming a popular feature with WNBA fans. What makes it so special? A closer look at how the whole thing works will tell us more.
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The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is an in-season competition happening at the beginning of the regular season. The Cup, created in 2021, selects certain games as “Cup games” that go towards a separate table of standings. Each conference's leading team, decided by their showing in these encounters, proceeds to the Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game. Additionally, this tournament is different from the regular season as it has a special prize pool that allows players to get financial rewards and bonuses for their performance, besides the regular season. Furthermore, the Cup is a vehicle for charity work in local communities, as charities get money depending on which team wins. The final took place in July and was shown all over the country; therefore, a high-stakes event before the playoffs is now part of the fans’ experience. The Commissioner’s Cup infuses the WNBA’s summer schedule with thrill, rivalry, and purpose.
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER❗️
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) July 2, 2025
THE INDIANA FEVER ARE COMMISSIONER'S CUP CHAMPIONS 🏆 #WNBA | #NowYouKnow pic.twitter.com/uN1QQjU1Bi
Format of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup has a special in-season tournament format, which is a parallel competition running alongside the regular season. In order to decide an overall winner, each franchise is assigned a number of so-called “Cup games” that they are to play against teams from their own conference, five games for Eastern Conference teams and six for Western Conference teams, because of the uneven number of teams.
These matches are not only the regular standings but also the Commissioner’s Cup leaderboard since they were pre-selected. The teams with the highest Cup records in each conference get the opportunity to play in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game, which is usually staged in early July.
The championship is a separate event, the host is the team with a better Cup record. The format is meant to energize midseason competition, attract fans, and give players more financial and community-based incentives.
2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship Preview
The stage is scheduled for the 2025 WNBA Commissioner Cup final as Minnesota Links takes on Indiana Fever on 1 July, with the game live on Prime Video. Minnesota enters the matchup as the defending cup champion in the league so far this season and the most prominent team in the league. Under the leadership of MVP Frontrunner Naphesa Collier, the Lynx has combined depth, experience, and strong team chemistry to earn home-court benefits for the finals at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
On the other hand, the Indiana Fever has emerged as one of the most exciting young squads in the league. Stars Aliah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and rogue sensation operated by sensation Cetleen Clarke - although the condition of Clarke is uncertain due to injury, fever is looking to make history with their first cup title. Despite being an underdog, India's explosive crime and cup play gives them a chance to fight. With a $ 500,000 prize pool, a thrilling competition is promised to be a thrilling competition between the power and rising talent established in the 2025 Commissioner Cup final, at stake.
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