The WNBA’s Commissioner’s Cup kicks off this week with a revamped format for its mid-season tournament. This year, the league has implemented changes so that teams will now engage in five matches against conference adversaries over a fortnight. In prior seasons, teams competed in a home-and-home series against each conference team.
The title game is slated for June 25, hosted at the arena of the team boasting the highest overall record in the tournament.
New York, last year’s victor, and Las Vegas both face demanding schedules to return to the championship game, each having to complete five matches within an eight-day stretch. Washington also needs to accommodate its five tournament games within this brief period.
Chicago, Dallas, and Indiana benefit from a slightly less rigorous schedule, playing their five matches over an 11 to 12-day span.
“The fourth annual Commissioner’s Cup, presented by Coinbase, will make its return as an in-season contest with a brand-new format for the 2024 campaign,” according to the WNBA’s official website.
“The tournament’s games will commence in June for a two-week duration, with teams clashing against their conference counterparts. The championship game is scheduled for June 25, featuring the top teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences.
“Competitors will vie for a prize pool and an additional sum for charitable and civic organizations. Previous winners include the New York Liberty (2023), Las Vegas Aces (2022), and Seattle Storm (2021).”
WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Prize Money: What’s at Stake for the Players?
Athletes on the winning team will receive approximately $30,000 each, with the MVP of the championship match earning an extra $5,000. Players on the second-place team will receive $10,000 each.
The tournament also emphasizes a charitable aspect, with teams accruing funds for designated charities based on their performance.
Teams earn $3,000 for each victory and $1,000 for each loss. The charity associated with the overall Commissioner’s Cup champion will receive a $10,000 donation, while the charity of the runner-up will get $5,000.
