Breanna Stewart, having already secured one Commissioner's Cup championship, is determined to lead the New York Liberty to this year's title game. The Las Vegas Aces, the reigning champions, have already clinched their spot in the final, scheduled for August 15th.
The Liberty's path to the championship game hinges on a victory against Indiana on Wednesday or a loss by Connecticut against Chicago. Currently, New York and Connecticut are tied, with New York holding the tiebreaker.
Stewart emphasized the team's focus, stating, "We have to handle our business and ensure we're fully prepared to advance in the Commissioner's Cup." Since its inception in 2021, when Seattle won the inaugural cup, the Commissioner's Cup has steadily gained prominence. Stewart acknowledges this growth, noting the increasing importance of the incentive and the prestige associated with winning.
Liberty teammate Courtney Vandersloot, who competed in the championship game last year with Chicago, highlighted the financial rewards, stating, "Once you're in the final, it's a significant bonus." Each member of the winning team receives up to $30,000, while the runners-up receive up to $10,000.
Beyond the financial incentives, the teams are also contributing to charitable causes. New York has raised $13,500 for the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, an organization providing healthcare services to New York’s LGBTQ+ communities. The Aces have raised $16,500 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Southern Nevada.
Aces guard Kelsey Plum spoke about the importance of community involvement and the significance of supporting mental health initiatives. She expressed pride in the Aces' choice of charity, highlighting its relevance to the challenges faced by individuals daily.
In the AP WNBA poll, Las Vegas and New York maintain their top two positions, with the Aces holding the number one spot throughout the season. Stewart earned Player of the Week honors for her exceptional performance, averaging 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in two victories, including a remarkable 43-point game against Phoenix.
Mercury general manager Jim Pitman will step down at the season's end but will remain with the team as chief financial officer. Brittney Griner, a nine-time All-Star, continues her impressive season, averaging nearly 20 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. The upcoming All-Star Game will feature Team Stewart versus Team Wilson, with each captain having drafted teammates and former teammates.
