The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is set to undergo several changes ahead of the 2024 season, including a two-week qualifying format. The adjustments aim to enhance the tournament’s appeal and build on the league’s recent growth.
For the upcoming season, all WNBA teams will play their five qualifying games between June 1 and June 13. These games will be part of each team’s 40-game schedule and will count towards their overall season record. What sets this apart from previous years is that all Commissioner’s Cup games will be condensed into a specific two-week window.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm for the new format, stating that it will add a heightened sense of urgency and excitement to the tournament. The Eastern and Western Conference Commissioner’s Cup play will be particularly emphasized, effectively shining a spotlight on the competition.
In previous years, the Cup games were determined by the first home and road games that each team played against their five conference rivals. The teams with the highest winning percentage in these matches secured a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game. This year, the Cup championship will be played in late June instead of August.
The changes to the Commissioner’s Cup align with Engelbert’s strategy of fueling rivalries and generating interest among fans. Engaging tournaments like the Commissioner’s Cup and intense MVP races contribute to passionate debates and captivating live entertainment. Building household names within the league, such as A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, opens up marketing opportunities and drives increased viewership and attendance.
The WNBA has experienced notable growth in recent years, evidenced by record-breaking numbers in attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales. The league recorded over 36 million total unique viewers across all national networks in 2023, marking a 27 percent increase from the previous year. Total attendance reached its highest point in 13 years, with 1,587,488 fans in attendance. Additionally, Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center drew a record-breaking crowd of 17,000 fans.
The Commissioner’s Cup has gradually gained traction among players and fans, with the introduction of a $500,000 prize pool for the final. However, as the league negotiates new broadcast deals and potentially a new CBA with the players’ association, the growth in various metrics may impact salary increases, compensation bumps, and roster sizes.
Looking ahead, there is room for further enhancements to the Commissioner’s Cup. While the NBA Cup attempted to set itself apart with unique court designs, the execution received mixed reviews from players and fans. The WNBA could explore incorporating special court designs or employing additional marketing strategies to boost interest in the tournament.
The recent release of the full 2024 schedule has generated excitement among fans, with key matchups like the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces scheduled for June 15. However, since these teams belong to opposite conferences, the matchup does not directly impact the Commissioner’s Cup. Adjusting the tournament earlier in the regular season may help increase viewership, but could also limit the planning window for fans looking to attend live games.
The 2024 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, at the home arena of the higher seed. While Prime Video has previously aired the Championship, specific game time and broadcast details have yet to be announced.
As the WNBA continues its upward trajectory, the changes to the Commissioner’s Cup demonstrate a commitment to delivering an engaging and competitive tournament. This streamlined format, combined with strategic marketing and rivalry-building efforts, will undoubtedly contribute to the league’s sustained success.
