The highly anticipated Commissioner’s Cup, presented by Coinbase, is back for its annual showcase in the WNBA, promising thrilling matchups and a hefty prize pool.
Past victors of this in-season competition include the New York Liberty, who emerged triumphant over the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, the Aces themselves, who outplayed the Chicago Sky in 2022, and the Seattle Storm, who bested the Connecticut Sun in 2021.
What’s the Prize for the Winning Team?
The stakes are sky-high as the top teams from each conference clash for a substantial $500,000 prize pool in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship, set for Tuesday, June 25, at the home arena of the team boasting the best Cup play record.
Moreover, Coinbase is upping the ante by adding an extra $120,000 in cryptocurrency to the prize pool. This includes a $5,000 crypto bonus for each player participating in the championship game.
This fierce competition aims not only to motivate the players with substantial financial incentives but also to captivate fans, thereby intensifying conference rivalries.
The Commissioner’s Cup also emphasizes social responsibility, as it supports charitable contributions to non-profits that align with the players’ social justice initiatives. Donations are made at the championship’s conclusion, adding a philanthropic touch to the event.
The 2024 Commissioner’s Cup Explained
The 2024 season introduces a streamlined format for the Commissioner’s Cup. Starting on June 1, each team will engage in five games against in-conference rivals over a two-week span, concluding on June 13. These games will be integrated into the regular 40-game schedule and will count towards the teams’ overall win-loss records.
Teams will either host three home games and travel for two away games, or vice versa, maintaining a balance in their competitive landscape. This new format aims to make the Cup more engaging and competitive.
“After crowning three Commissioner’s Cup champions since 2021, we believe it is time to introduce a new, streamlined format for the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase for the 2024 season,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Tonight’s Championship Showdown
The championship game between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx isn’t just a battle for the title; it’s a high-stakes race for the colossal $500,000 prize pool! Additionally, Coinbase is adding a bonus of $5,000 in cryptocurrency for each player on both teams.
Tune in to catch all the action tonight at 8:00 pm ET (5:00 pm PT), available for streaming on Prime Video. This matchup promises to be a riveting conclusion to an already thrilling tournament.
