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WNBA Makes Historic Indiana Fever Announcement on Tuesday

Despite being without their best player, the Indiana Fever surprised quite a few people on Tuesday, knocking off the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 to win the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The win seemed an improbability given the Fever entered the matchup with an 8-8 record, having lost three of their last five games, while the New York Liberty, the WNBA Finals runner-up, were 14-2 and won five of their last six games.

Star forward Natasha Howard led the Fever with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while adding four assists and two steals.

Sophie Cunningham chipped in 13 points off the bench, and Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell and Aari McDonald all chipped in 12 points each, and Boston posted Indiana’s second double-double while adding 11 rebounds.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates with teammate Sydney Colson (51) after defeating the Minnesota Lynx during the Commissioner's Cup final at Target Center.

While the underdog Fever had plenty to celebrate following the win, the WNBA’s official X account was celebrating their historic milestone.

“🏆 For the FIRST TIME in franchise history, the @indianafever are your 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup Champions!” the league posted on X.

First awarded during the 2021 season, the Commissioner’s Cup is an in-season competition starting at the beginning of the season and running through the near-midway point. Regular-season games during that time count toward the standings.

Since its inception, the Commissioner’s Cup has seen five different winners.

The Seattle Storm won the inaugural Cup, followed by the Las Vegas Aces, the Liberty, the Lynx, and the Fever. The Aces and Liberty are the only teams to make two appearances in the Cup final.

Clark was listed as a game-time decision hours before tipoff but she ultimately did not play. It marked the third straight game she’s missed with a groin injury.