WNBA Commissioner Cup Overview

The WNBA introduced the Commissioner Cup in 2021 as an in-season tournament before the NBA developed its own version. The idea was straightforward: teams could generate additional revenue while also supporting local charities through some friendly competition.

As with many new concepts, the inaugural year came with a fair amount of confusion. Each team played both home and away games against every other team in the league, which were categorized as cup games. The East and West teams with the top records advanced to the finals. While these initial matches were counted as part of the regular season, the Finals were not.

Recently, the rules have been tweaked. Now, June features a two-week span where all scheduled games are cup matches. The teams with the best records from the East and West during this time will compete in the finals. One constant remains: all 13 WNBA teams will choose a charity to champion during the tournament.

For every cup game won, a monetary donation is made to the respective charity. In the finals, both the winner and runner-up receive contributions to their chosen organizations. The winning team also has the chance to share a $500,000 prize. Additionally, Coinbase contributes $5,000 to each player, totaling $120,000 for the final match.

As the tournament gets underway, the league disclosed the 13 charities selected by the teams. The Las Vegas Aces faced social media backlash after announcing their support for the ADL, critiqued for its rhetoric regarding the conflict in Palestine.

After the announcement, the Aces removed all related social media posts, leaving some to wonder if it was due to a shift in their choice or simply an attempt to sidestep controversy. The WNBA’s official announcement about the selected charities remains active on its website.

In a comment about the charity choice, head coach Becky Hammon stated she was unaware of it and hadn’t inquired about the selection. Whether that’s entirely accurate or not, it highlights the ongoing challenges the WNBA has in informing both coaches and players about the tournament structure. However, there’s an evident excitement surrounding the event.

The following is a list of the charities chosen by the 12 other WNBA teams for the Commissioner Cup, showcasing their missions and objectives:

Atlanta Dream: Black Women’s Health Center

Mission: To enhance the health and well-being of underserved black women and their families.

The Black Women’s Health Center, serving Atlanta for 36 years, focuses on ensuring women access essential healthcare. Their work encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and financial health, aiming for women to thrive in all life aspects. They provide services on a sliding scale for uninsured women, including various health exams and mental health therapy.

Chicago Sky: Build, Inc.

Mission: To inspire hope and provide opportunities for youth encountering systemic barriers.

Build, Inc. focuses on Chicago’s young population to help break the cycle of violence. They offer a range of activities, including after-school programs, mentoring, and summer camps, creating enriching opportunities to keep youth away from harmful influences.

Connecticut Sun: ACLU Connecticut

Mission: To uphold and promote civil liberties and rights in the U.S., particularly in Connecticut.

The local branch of the ACLU fights for civil rights, engaging in litigation, community engagement, and education initiatives centered around anti-racism and justice.

Dallas Wings: Unity Unlimited, Inc.

Mission: To facilitate educational resources promoting unity regardless of race or culture.

Unity Unlimited, Inc. develops programs to bridge cultural gaps and foster community harmony. Their initiatives cover everything from agriculture education to scholarships and entrepreneurial resources.

Golden State Valkyrie: Communities United for Justice for Recovering Youth

Mission: To empower young leaders to dismantle youth crime and mass incarceration.

This organization aims to help young people heal from trauma related to incarceration while equipping them with skills for a thriving future, with a goal of ending youth incarceration in California by 2030.

Indiana Fever: Peace Learning Center

Mission: To foster a culture of peace through community learning.

The Peace Learning Center is dedicated to uniting communities for education on conflict resolution and promotes wellness through various age-inclusive programs.

Los Angeles Sparks: Social Justice Partner LA

Mission: To support communities driving social and racial justice initiatives.

Social Justice Partner LA tackles root causes of injustice in the Los Angeles area through educational programs, initiatives for the homeless, and workshops on social justice issues.

Minnesota Links: ACLU Minnesota

Mission: To safeguard the rights of Minnesotans through advocacy and education.

This branch of the ACLU, like its Connecticut counterpart, focuses on civil liberties, driving initiatives around freedom of expression, equity, and community advocacy.

New York Liberty: Gender Equality Girls

Mission: To advocate for leadership among Black girls and gender-expansive youth promoting equity.

Originally focused on sports access, Girls for Girls has expanded to numerous initiatives aimed at achieving gender and racial justice by empowering young women and girls through education and advocacy.

Phoenix Mercury: YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix

Mission: To eliminate racism and empower women while promoting justice for all.

YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix aims to empower women through leadership development and social justice initiatives, advocating for diverse communities.

Seattle Storm: Metropolitan Seattle Urban League

Mission: To support the flourishing of historically disadvantaged peoples through justice.

This organization focuses on advocacy and outreach, promoting essential areas like housing, education, and financial empowerment.

Washington Mystic: DC’s ACLU

Mission: To defend and advance civil liberties in D.C. through education and advocacy.

Similar to other ACLU branches, DC’s ACLU is dedicated to fostering communities free from systemic oppression while ensuring residents are informed about their rights.