The Indiana Fever secured their first-ever Commissioner's Cup title on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, with a dominant 74-59 victory over the defending champion Minnesota Lynx. This win not only brought a trophy home to Indiana but also a $500,000 prize pool for the team. Each player on the Fever will receive approximately $30,000, while the game's MVP, Natasha Howard, earned an additional $5,000. In contrast, players on the losing team will each receive $10,000.
The Fever's journey to the Commissioner's Cup was marked by unexpected roster changes, including the departure of veteran forward DeWanna Bonner. Bonner, who signed a one-year, $200,000 deal with the Fever, last played with the team on June 10. She was then away from the team for personal reasons. Ultimately, Bonner and the Fever agreed that the fit wasn't right, leading to her release. Because her contract was unprotected, the Fever was only responsible for paying the prorated portion tied to her time with the franchise.
Bonner's departure created both cap space and an open roster spot, which the Fever quickly filled by re-signing guard Aari McDonald. McDonald had previously joined the team on a hardship exception and impressed while Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham were sidelined with injuries. While Bonner's exit was described as a mutual decision, it undoubtedly altered the team's dynamics heading into the Commissioner's Cup.
The Indiana Fever's Commissioner's Cup victory was a stunning upset, especially considering they were playing without star guard Caitlin Clark, who was sidelined with a groin injury. The Lynx, with a league-leading 14-2 record and a perfect 8-0 at home, were heavily favored to win. However, the Fever put together a brilliant defensive effort to secure the win. Indiana's win ensured that no team has ever gone back-to-back in the Commissioner's Cup.
The Fever's defense was the key to their victory. They held the Lynx to their lowest point total of the season (59) and a season-worst 34.9% shooting from the field. They also forced 16 turnovers. Natasha Howard, who was named the game's MVP, led the defensive charge, holding Lynx All-Star Napheesa Collier to just 12 points on 6-of-18 shooting. The Fever also excelled at defending the three-point line, holding the Lynx to just 4-of-16 (25%) from beyond the arc.
The Commissioner's Cup is an in-season competition that begins at the start of the regular season and continues throughout the first half of the season. Sixty regular-season games determine the two teams that will compete in the final. The Commissioner's Cup was originally scheduled to begin in 2020 but was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Indiana Fever's Commissioner's Cup win marks a significant milestone for the franchise. Overcoming the loss of DeWanna Bonner and playing without Caitlin Clark, the Fever demonstrated resilience and teamwork, securing a memorable victory and a substantial financial reward. The $500,000 prize pool will be distributed among the players, with each member of the winning team taking home approximately $30,000, a welcome bonus that softens the blow of Bonner's departure and highlights the benefits of teamwork and perseverance.
