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What exactly is the Commissioner's Cup? It's an in-season competition that sees the top team from each conference, based on their records in Commissioner's Cup games, duke it out for a hefty prize pool. The grand showdown takes place at the arena of the team with the best record in Cup play. This year it's going to be a showdown to between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty.
Now, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the teams that have etched their names in the short but sweet history of the Commissioner's Cup.
2023: New York Liberty
In a stunning display of dominance, the New York Liberty crushed the Las Vegas Aces, 82-63, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 15, 2023. Sabrina Ionescu and her squad played like they had something to prove, and prove it they did. The Liberty's victory not only brought them the Commissioner's Cup trophy but also a hefty slice of that $500,000 prize pool.
2022: Las Vegas Aces
Fast forward to July 26, 2022, where the Las Vegas Aces had their moment of glory, defeating the Chicago Sky, 93-83, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Kelsey Plum and A'ja Wilson led the charge, ensuring the Aces didn't just win-they dazzled. It was a game that showcased why the Aces are perennial contenders and why the Commissioner's Cup is no walk in the park.
2021: Seattle Storm
Let's not forget the trailblazers who kicked off this whole shebang. The Seattle Storm, with their iconic green and gold, decimated the Connecticut Sun, 79-57, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 12, 2021. Led by the indomitable Breanna Stewart, the Storm set the gold standard for what it means to be Commissioner's Cup champions.
Beyond the high-flying dunks and clutch three-pointers, the Commissioner's Cup also brings a philanthropic twist. The competition features a platform through which the league makes charitable contributions to non-profit organizations aligned with the players' social justice work. These donations accumulate throughout the Cup games and are presented to each organization at the conclusion of the championship.
So, as we gear up for this year's Commissioner's Cup Championship, : it's not just about the money or the bragging rights. It's about the legacy, the community, and the game we all love. Buckle up, WNBA fans-this year's Commissioner's Cup is set to be a game-changer.