Full Breakdown
Liberty Capture Second Commissioner's Cup Title in 93-85 Victory Over Aces
7/1/2026, 3:41:16 PM
Championship Game
On June 30, 2026, the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 93-85 at Barclays Center. Sabrina Ionescu scored 26 points on five of seven threes, and Breanna Stewart added 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Background
The 2026 final was the first Cup rematch, revisiting the 2023 title game won by New York. A $500,000 prize pool awarded $30,000 per winning player, $10,000 per losing player, plus a $10,000 MVP bonus and charity donation. The Aces entered without star forward A’ja Wilson (right-leg injury); Liberty’s Satou Sabally missed the game after a concussion.
Key Players
Ionescu’s performance came in her eighth game back from a back injury. Stewart became the first player to win three Cup titles (2021, 2023, 2026) and the first to earn multiple MVP honors. Jackie Young led the Aces with a career-high 31 points, the first 25-point effort in a Cup final.
Stats
Liberty posted a +12 rebounding margin, out-shot the Aces 29-14 from the line and made five of seven threes, while the Aces missed their first 13 attempts before rallying.
Impact
New York is the first franchise with multiple Cups since 2021; Stewart’s third title underscores the Liberty’s core. The win halted a four-loss stretch and boosted confidence heading into the regular season.
Official Responses
Coach Chris DeMarco called the win a stepping stone to a WNBA title; Coach Becky Hammon praised the fan appeal and “playoff atmosphere,” and Stewart noted the team’s willingness to do “whatever it took.”
Criticism
Jonquel Jones warned that success depends on “heart” rather than minutes, while the Aces voiced concern that Wilson’s absence dulled their offense.
Conflicts
CBS Sports listed Wilson as ruled out, yet an ESPN recap credited her with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals, leaving her role in the final unresolved.
Quotes
- “It sets the foundation for who we are and how we want to compete every single night.” — Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty guard
- “You just can't take these moments for granted. Obviously we have bigger goals, we want to win a WNBA championship.” — Chris DeMarco, Liberty head coach
- “People want to see New York versus Vegas, so I think it's good for the fans.” — Becky Hammon, Aces head coach
- “It's not about the reps, it's not about playing time, it's not about none of that stuff. It's about having some heart and playing with some f---ing heart.” — Jonquel Jones, Liberty forward
Future
The Liberty will aim to translate Cup momentum into a top seed and a WNBA title run, while the Aces look to recover from injuries and maintain their playoff push.
