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The upcoming 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx, scheduled for July 1, is set to be a landmark game in this year’s season. Not only does it feature two of the league's most dynamic teams, but fans are hoping it will showcase a compelling duel between Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier — who are both currently sidelined with injuries.
The Commissioner’s Cup, introduced in 2021, has become more than just a midseason showcase. It now serves as a highly competitive tournament with major stakes, not only for the players’ bank accounts, with its $500,000 prize pool, but also for momentum heading into the second half of the season.
This year's matchup, featuring the Eastern Conference-winning Fever and Western Conference powerhouse Lynx, will showcase two of the W's biggest stars.
Indiana’s path to the Commissioner’s Cup Final has been defined by rapid growth and high-pressure performances. With a 4–1 record in Cup play, the Fever have been one of the league’s most improved and resilient teams. Much of that transformation stems from the impact of sensation Clark, who has dazzled when she's played this season.
Clark's performance in a decisive win over Connecticut, scoring 20 points and orchestrating Indiana’s offense with poise, highlighted her increasing control of the professional game. Clark has elevated her play in recent weeks, averaging close to 20 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, while improving her shooting percentages both from the field and from three-point range.
In a defining moment of Cup play, Clark dropped 32 points against the New York Liberty, including seven three-pointers, to secure the Fever’s ticket to the final. Indiana’s Cup run has not been without controversy, however, with tensions flaring in a physical game against Connecticut that featured a flagrant-2 foul following a hard hit on Clark. Nevertheless, the Fever have emerged as a fearless and formidable force, bolstered by veterans like Natasha Howard and Kelsey Mitchell, and guided by the strategic leadership of head coach Stephanie White.
On the other side of the matchup, the Lynx enter the Commissioner’s Cup Final as the reigning champions and the most balanced team in the league. Holding a 5–1 record in Cup play, the Lynx have demonstrated depth, experience, and consistency throughout the first half of the season. Head coach Cheryl Reeve has crafted a well-oiled system that thrives on ball movement, spacing, and three-point efficiency.
The team leads the league in both assists and three-point percentage, and they have navigated Cup competition with impressive wins over top-tier teams, including a statement 76–62 victory over the Las Vegas Aces. That game, however, raised concerns after Collier exited with a back injury. As the team’s leading scorer, averaging over 24 points and 8 rebounds per game, Collier is the engine behind Minnesota’s offense and a crucial defensive anchor. The Lynx hope she will be fully fit for the final, as her two-way dominance is essential against a Fever team that relies heavily on perimeter creativity.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx enter the Commissioner’s Cup Final as the reigning champions and the most balanced team in the league. Holding a 5–1 record in Cup play, the Lynx have demonstrated depth, experience, and consistency throughout the first half of the season. Head coach Cheryl Reeve has crafted a well-oiled system that thrives on ball movement, spacing, and three-point efficiency. The team leads the league in both assists and three-point percentage, and they have navigated Cup competition with impressive wins over top-tier teams, including a statement 76–62 victory over the Las Vegas Aces.
That game, however, raised concerns after Collier exited with a back injury. As the team’s leading scorer, averaging over 24 points and 8 rebounds per game, Collier is the engine behind Minnesota’s offense and a crucial defensive anchor. The Lynx hope she will be fully fit for the final, as her two-way dominance is essential against a Fever team that relies heavily on perimeter creativity.
Collier versus Clark is the headliner, and for good reason. Collier brings championship pedigree, physicality, and versatility to the court, while Clark represents the future of the league with her elite playmaking, deep shooting range, and electric style. Collier has been arguably the most consistent player in the WNBA this season, posting MVP-caliber numbers and serving as the heartbeat of Minnesota’s rise.
Clark, meanwhile, is leading all rookies in scoring and assists and has become one of the most closely watched athletes in sports. Both players are instrumental to their teams’ success, and their head-to-head battle could determine the Cup winner. If Collier dominates the paint and controls the glass, it could limit the Fever’s fast-break opportunities. Conversely, if Clark can stretch the floor and dictate tempo, Indiana may force the Lynx into uncomfortable matchups.
Supporting casts will also play a pivotal role. Indiana’s Natasha Howard, with her inside presence and rebounding, has provided stability and toughness. Kelsey Mitchell’s perimeter scoring gives the Fever another weapon when Clark draws extra attention. The frontcourt has shown improved chemistry, especially in defensive rotations and transition plays.
For Minnesota, Courtney Williams has emerged as a major contributor, including a 20-point performance against Las Vegas. Alanna Smith, who grabbed 10 rebounds in that same game, adds valuable grit and paint protection. The Lynx bench has been quietly effective all season, and Reeve’s ability to rotate her lineup without a major drop in production may give Minnesota the edge in a tight contest.
Statistically, the Lynx hold a narrow advantage. They rank second in both offensive and defensive rating, while the Fever sit fourth in offense and fifth in defense. The Fever have increased their three-point shooting efficiency during Cup play, and Clark’s recent hot streak has opened up more room for others.
However, Minnesota’s advantage lies in its balance and execution. The Lynx do not rely heavily on one player and can generate points from multiple sources. With a home-court advantage in the Target Center, where they’ve built strong fan support and perform confidently, the Lynx will be difficult to unseat. That said, the Fever have shown they can thrive in hostile environments, with their win at Barclays Center in New York during Cup play being evidence of that.
Beyond the tactical breakdowns, the game carries immense intangible weight. For Indiana, a Commissioner’s Cup title would mark a crowning moment in their return to relevance. After years of rebuilding, the Fever are now in the national spotlight, and a win would validate the hype surrounding Clark and confirm the team's upward trajectory.
For Minnesota, it’s a chance to solidify their status as the league’s most complete team and to claim a second straight Cup. Let's not forget the game also brings financial incentives, and these rewards have elevated the stakes of the tournament and brought greater competitive fire to midseason play.
In terms of strategy, the Fever will likely look to push pace, capitalize on transition chances, and create mismatches for Clark. The Lynx, on the other hand, will seek to control tempo, exploit mismatches in the paint to Collier's advantage, and use their defensive cohesion to limit Clark’s vision and open looks.
Both teams have shown they can win in multiple ways, whether through high-scoring shootouts or defensive slugfests. The first few minutes of the game will be critical, especially in determining whether Collier and Clark are at full strength and how Indiana’s young core responds to the moment.
Ultimately, this Commissioner’s Cup Final promises to be one of the most exciting games of the 2025 WNBA season. It’s a rare confluence of star power, competitive stakes, emerging rivalries, and contrasting styles. Whether it ends in back-to-back titles for the Lynx or a historic breakthrough for the Fever, July 1 will stand as a defining date for both franchises and a celebration of the WNBA’s rising influence. Fans tuning in on Amazon Prime Video will witness not only elite basketball but also the shaping of league history in real time.
