As a lifelong WNBA fan who’s been courtside for countless games, I’m thrilled to dive into the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup, a high-stakes, in-season tournament that’s become a highlight of the WNBA season. This year, the Cup brought intense rivalries, breakout performances, and a $500,000 prize pool that had teams fighting for every possession.
With the championship game already in the books—congrats to the Indiana Fever for their 74-59 win over the Minnesota Lynx on July 1—I’m here to break down the key matchups that defined the tournament, how you can catch the action, and why this event is a must-watch for basketball fans. My insights come from years of following the league, analyzing stats, and talking to players, so let’s get into it.
What Is the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup?
The Commissioner’s Cup, presented by Coinbase, is a midseason tournament integrated into the WNBA’s regular season. Running from June 1 to June 17, 2025, it featured 36 games where teams played each of their in-conference rivals once—five games for the six Eastern Conference teams and six for the seven Western Conference teams (due to the new Golden State Valkyries).
The team with the best Cup record in each conference advanced to the championship game on July 1, hosted by the team with the highest overall winning percentage. This year, that was the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center (WNBA.com).
What sets the Cup apart? It’s not just about bragging rights. The $500,000 prize pool—plus $120,000 in cryptocurrency bonuses from Coinbase—means players can earn significant bonuses, with winners splitting roughly $30,000-$45,000 per player and the MVP getting an extra $5,000.
The Fever’s victory, led by Natasha Howard’s 16-point, 12-rebound double-double (named 2025 Cup MVP), showcased the tournament’s intensity (ESPN). Plus, there’s a social justice angle: each team partners with a local charity, with $3,000 donated per win and $1,000 per loss, culminating in $10,000 for the winner’s charity and $5,000 for the runner-up’s (NBC Sports).
Key Matchups That Shaped the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup
The 2025 Cup was a battleground for rivalries, with several games determining who’d make the final. Here are the standout matchups that had fans buzzing:
- Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun (June 17): This Eastern Conference clash was pivotal. The Fever, led by Caitlin Clark’s playmaking (8.9 APG), secured a crucial win to clinch their first-ever Cup final berth. They needed a tiebreaker over the New York Liberty (head-to-head record) after both teams finished with strong Cup records. Clark’s clutch three-pointers and Aliyah Boston’s post dominance were game-changers (CBS Sports).
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces (June 17): The Lynx, powered by Napheesa Collier’s 23.0 PPG, cruised past the Aces to lock in their Western Conference spot. This game was a statement, with Minnesota’s defense stifling A’ja Wilson’s scoring attempts. No drama here—the Lynx were in control (Just Women’s Sports).
- New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream (June 17): The Liberty’s stunning comeback against the Dream indirectly helped the Fever advance. Sabrina Ionescu’s 30-point performance wasn’t enough to secure the Cup final spot, but it showed why New York remains a championship threat (CBS Sports).
- Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks (June 14): A Western Conference battle where Seattle’s veteran core outlasted the young Sparks. This win kept the Storm in contention until the final night, though they fell short of the Lynx (ESPN).
- Golden State Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury (June 1): The expansion Valkyries made a splash in their Cup debut, with rookie Janelle Salaün hitting 38% from three. While they didn’t advance, their upset bid against Diana Taurasi’s Mercury set the tone for their potential (Marca).
These games weren’t just about the Cup—they counted toward regular-season standings, adding extra pressure. From my perspective, the Fever’s resilience, even without Clark in the final due to injury, highlighted the depth of this year’s rosters and made for unforgettable basketball.
The Championship Final: Fever’s Upset Victory
The July 1 final at Target Center was a shocker. Despite being underdogs and missing star Caitlin Clark (groin injury), the Indiana Fever dominated the defending champion Minnesota Lynx 74-59. Natasha Howard earned MVP honors with her 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Aliyah Boston added 14 points and 10 boards.
The Lynx struggled offensively, shooting just 35% from the field, as Napheesa Collier was held to 15 points. This win marked the Fever’s first Cup title and a massive boost for the franchise (ESPN). In my years covering the WNBA, upsets like this remind us why the Cup is so exciting—anything can happen.
How to Watch the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup
Though the tournament is over, reliving the action is easy. The championship game streamed exclusively on Prime Video, part of the WNBA’s expanded broadcast deal (Amazon Prime Video). Qualifying games aired on networks like ESPN, ABC, CBS, and ION, with many available on WNBA League Pass for out-of-market viewers.
For highlights and replays:
- Check WNBA.com or the WNBA App for full game recaps and stats.
- YouTube has official clips, including the final’s key moments (YouTube).
- ESPN+ offers on-demand viewing of select games (ESPN).
If you missed it live, League Pass is your best bet—it’s affordable and packed with analysis. Pro tip from a seasoned fan: Watch the final’s second quarter; that’s when the Fever pulled away decisively.
Why the Commissioner’s Cup Matters: My Take
In its fifth year, the Cup has evolved into a fan favorite, blending competition with real stakes and community impact. This edition underscored the league’s growth—record viewership, expansion energy, and star power.
As someone who’s seen the WNBA rise from underdog to powerhouse, I believe events like this are key to its future.
The Fever’s triumph? A story of grit that’ll inspire for seasons to come. If you’re new to the WNBA, start with Cup highlights—you’ll be hooked (Swish Appeal). Stay tuned for the rest of 2025; the playoffs promise even more drama!