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What to Know About Womenâs Basketball Today
1. The Commissionerâs Cup Starts Today đ
The WNBA's sixth annual Commissioner's Cup begins today and runs through June 17. The league's in-season tournament is built into the regular-season schedule, so it can sneak up on you a little. If you notice a black-and-white basketball on the court, you're watching a Commissioner's Cup game. The championship game will be played June 30.(WNBA)
WHY IT MATTERS: The team from each conference with the best Commissioner's Cup record will advance to the championship game and compete for a share of a $500,000 prize pool. Teams are also playing for designated nonprofit organizations, with charitable donations awarded at the end of the tournament. The Indiana Fever won the Cup last season, but this year's race feels wide open with several teams packed near the top of the standings.
đłď¸ Are you interested in the Commissioner's Cup?
2. Team USA's 3x3 Squad Takes the World Stage đşđ¸
The 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup begins today in Warsaw, Poland, with Team USA opening pool play on Tuesday. The roster features Joyce Edwards, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Mikaylah Williams, and Sahara Williams. The Americans will face Hungary at 12:55 p.m. ET before taking on Australia at 2:45 p.m. ET. All games can be watched free on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel.
WHY IT MATTERS: This group already knows how to win together. Edwards, Fulwiley, Mikaylah Williams, and Sahara Williams recently picked up titles on the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series in both Manila and Chengdu. The U.S. enters the tournament ranked No. 7 in the world, and this event gives us a chance to watch some of the biggest young names in women's basketball compete for a world championship.
3. Retired WNBA Players Are Getting a Major Thank You đ§Ą
The full text of the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement was recently released, giving us a closer look at how the league's new Veteran Recognition Payment will work. About 280 retired players will receive lump-sum bonuses by the end of the year, with payments ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 based on years of service. (Front Office Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: The active players didn't forget the women who helped build this league. Players with 5-7 years of service will receive $30,000, those with 8-11 years will receive $50,000, and players with 12 or more years will receive $100,000. There's also a special provision that ensures former MVPs Cynthia Cooper, Yolanda Griffith, Maya Moore, and Elena Delle Donne receive the maximum payment, even though they played fewer than 12 seasons. It's a nice way to make sure those who came before share in the leagueâs growth today.
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OVERTIME âąď¸
All A-Board: Nneka Ogwumike passed Lisa Leslie for sixth place on the WNBA's all-time rebounds list with 3,312 career boards.
Expensive Threads: Paige Bueckers' WNBA debut jersey sold for nearly $65,000 at auction.
Rose City Respect: Fire forward Megan Gustafson got emotional talking about what it means to be a part of Portland's new WNBA franchise.
đłď¸ Poll Results from Friday: We asked whether expansion teams Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have exceeded your expectations so far. Most of you think they have, with 74% voting yes.
