WNBA Commissioner’s Cup tournament opens with $500,000 prize pool
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 6:31 PM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup launched this week, featuring a total of 49 games. The tournament format has been adjusted to allow each team to face opponents from the other conference in one game over two weeks. The top teams will compete for a $500,000 prize on June 30. The New York Liberty are entering the tournament on a two-game winning streak, while the Phoenix Mercury are struggling with a six-game losing streak. Injuries and performance issues have plagued the Mercury, impacting their offensive strategy as they seek to improve in the upcoming games.
- •The Commissioner’s Cup started with the Dallas Wings hosting the Seattle Storm.
- •New York Liberty coach Chris DeMarco emphasized defensive play to snap a losing streak.
- •Mercury's Sami Whitcomb is recovering from knee surgery, affecting team performance.
- •The Minnesota Lynx lead the league with a five-game winning streak.
- •Chicago Sky look to end a four-game losing streak against the Washington Mystics.
- 6:31 PMYahoo Sports — $500,000 is now on the line. Plus: The WNBA lottery is just fine
"No Offseason Newsletter 🏀 | This is The Athletic’s women’s basketball newsletter. Sign up here to receive No Offseason directly in your inbox. Welcome back to No Offseason. It’s Commissioner’s Cup time. Today: 📍 In-season tournament primer 📊 Does the WNBA lottery system work? 🎧 Early-season hot takes On the Ground: Commissioner’s Cup is here Now that it’s June, it’s time for the Commissioner’s Cup. This annual in-season tournament started in 2021, with the Seattle Storm taking home the inaugural
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