Clash of the Queens: Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier Set to Battle in WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship

Get ready, WNBA fans. The Commissioner’s Cup Championship is officially set—and it promises to be the most anticipated game of the season.

On one side: the Minnesota Lynx, the league’s best team, boasting an 11-1 record and led by the unstoppable MVP front-runner Napheesa Collier.
On the other: the surging Indiana Fever, headlined by second-year phenom Caitlin Clark, who has not only returned from injury but has turned her squad into a contender overnight.

It’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 in scoring. Veteran dominance vs. rookie-era revolution. The heart of Minnesota vs. the soul of Indiana.

And the Cup is on the line.Team USA | Olympian, Captain, Mom: Napheesa Collier Is Ready To Take On A New WNBA Season

The Stats Don’t Lie

Collier and Clark aren’t just stars—they’re statistical giants.

Napheesa Collier: 24.4 PPG | 8.5 RPG | 3.6 APG | 1.8 SPG | 1.5 BPG

Caitlin Clark: 21.3 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 8.7 APG | 1.3 SPG | 1.0 BPG

They lead the league in points per game, and both rank top five in total impact metrics. But it’s their differing styles that make this matchup so electric.

Collier is the quiet assassin—a fundamentally flawless forward who dominates inside and defends with ferocity. She’s already earned Olympic gold and two All-Star selections. Now, she’s the heavy favorite to win her first MVP.

Clark is the crowd magnet—a deep-range sniper with flashy assists, swagger, and a growing highlight reel that makes her a viral sensation every game. While her rookie year made headlines, her sophomore season is solidifying her place among the elite.Minnesota Lynx: Ruthless and Ready

Under the guidance of head coach Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx have been an unstoppable machine this season. They’ve won 11 of 12 games, blowing out opponents with their disciplined defense and multi-layered offense.

Collier’s leadership has been the difference-maker.

“She’s not just our top scorer—she’s our anchor,” Reeve said last week. “She’s doing everything. There’s no part of the court she doesn’t own.”

With veteran support from Kayla McBride and dynamic rookie Alissa Pili, Minnesota has depth, chemistry, and a championship mentality.

They aren’t just chasing the Cup—they’re chasing history.

Indiana Fever: Back From the Brink

Just two weeks ago, the Fever were hovering near the bottom of the standings. Clark had been sidelined with an ankle injury, and questions swirled about the team’s chemistry.

Then Clark returned—and everything changed.

Indiana is now 2-0 since Clark’s comeback, and more importantly, they’re playing with confidence and flow. Center Aliyah Boston has found her groove, Kelsey Mitchell has provided veteran poise, and forward NaLyssa Smith is dominating the glass.

But it’s Clark who stirs the drink.

“She’s the engine,” Fever coach Stephanie White said. “Everything flows through her. Her vision, her leadership—she changes the way defenses play us.”

Clark’s return has also electrified the fanbase. Ticket sales spiked. Fever jerseys flew off shelves. ESPN ratings surged.

And now, the Fever are one win away from their first Commissioner’s Cup title.

Storylines That Define the FinalA columnist who interviewed Caitlin Clark says he's 'part of the problem.' He's right.

1. MVP Implications

If Collier dominates and leads Minnesota to victory, the MVP race may effectively end. But if Clark can lead an upset and shine on the national stage, voters may start to reconsider.

2. The Legacy Game

For Collier, this game is about cementing herself among the greatest to wear a Lynx jersey. For Clark, it’s about validating the hype and proving she can win big games—even against the league’s elite.

3. Rising Rivalries

This may be the start of a new WNBA era. Clark vs. Collier could be the next Taurasi vs. Catchings. With both teams looking likely to contend in future seasons, this championship might be the first of many battles to come.

Game Time and Broadcast Info

The Commissioner’s Cup Championship will take place June 25 at Target Center in Minneapolis, airing live on ESPN at 8 PM ET.

Expect fireworks, fierce competition, and a level of play that could redefine what the WNBA’s midseason tournament means.

The Stakes Are High

While the Commissioner’s Cup doesn’t count toward regular-season records, the players know how much is riding on this game.

It’s about pride. It’s about pressure. It’s about proving you belong at the top.

“This is more than just a game,” Clark said after clinching the Fever’s spot. “It’s a chance to show the world how far we’ve come.”