The 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is already shaping up to be one of the most dynamic midseason competitions in the league’s history. Taking place from June 1 to June 17, with the final scheduled for July 1, this year’s edition carries higher stakes, deeper rivalries, and a new wave of emerging talent. It’s more than just a tournament – it’s a proving ground for teams pushing toward playoff form and for players aiming to define their legacy. To help you stay on top of the action, the experts at 1xBet have prepared this in-depth overview of everything you need to know.
The format of the Commissioner’s Cup is unique within the WNBA. Though the Cup games are part of the regular season, they hold a separate standing and purpose. Each team plays a series of designated Cup games against conference rivals – five games in the Eastern Conference, six in the Western Conference due to a different number of teams. The two teams with the best record in these Cup matchups from each conference advance to the final. If teams are tied, the league uses head-to-head results, point differential, and if necessary, a coin toss to break the tie.
This year, the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx have emerged as early favorites. Liberty remain undefeated in Cup play, showcasing elite synergy from Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. The Lynx, equally impressive, have dominated the West with an 8-0 Cup record led by Napheesa Collier’s all-around brilliance and solid contributions from Natisha Hiedeman. Meanwhile, teams like the Phoenix Mercury are experimenting with new rotations, giving rising players like Lexie Held space to shine, while perennial contenders like the Las Vegas Aces struggle to regain their footing.
Beyond the competition itself, the Cup continues to serve a broader mission. Sponsored by Coinbase, the tournament features a prize pool of $500,000, with an additional $120,000 in crypto bonuses. Every player participating in the final receives $5,000 in cryptocurrency. But perhaps more impactful is the charitable angle: each WNBA team partners with a local nonprofit organization, and every Cup win adds a financial contribution to their cause, blending high-stakes basketball with meaningful community impact.
The Commissioner’s Cup also plays a key role in shaping the playoff race. With 44 regular-season games this year, the Cup schedule forces teams to test their depth and flexibility early in the season. Coaches must balance short-term tactical gains with long-term development, giving younger players the chance to gain valuable experience under pressure. For fans, it offers a glimpse into how playoff teams are being built- not just through star power, but through consistency, chemistry, and purpose.
Looking ahead, the final on July 1 will be hosted by the team with the best overall Cup record. If current trends hold, a Liberty vs. Lynx matchup seems inevitable – two franchises that have invested in long-term roster building and tactical versatility. But with plenty of Cup games still to be played, surprises are still on the table, especially with emerging talents like Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) making their mark.
As the WNBA continues to evolve in scope, audience, and ambition, the Commissioner’s Cup has proven itself as more than a novelty. It’s a strategic barometer for the league’s top teams and a storytelling engine for its rising stars. Whether you’re watching for the high-level play, the emotional stakes, or the social impact, this year’s tournament is delivering on all fronts- and we’ll be watching closely as the road to July 1 unfolds.
