After debuting in 2021 for the WNBA’s historic 25th season, the Commissioner’s Cup will return for the 2022 season. This in-season competition, which pits conference rivals against each other during the first half of the regular season, will consist of 10 designated “Cup games” per team. All Mercury Commissioner’s Cup games are presented by Bally Bet. Cup games will be the first home game and first road game each team plays against its five conference rivals, all played between May 6 and July 7. The team with the top record from each conference will then compete for a lucrative prize pool in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game on Tuesday, July 26.

New to this year’s Commissioner’s Cup is a charitable initiative centered around the theme of Civic Engagement. Each team has selected an organization in their community that aligns with Civic Engagement to compete and raise money for.

For each Cup game, the winning team will receive a monetary donation of $2,000 to their selected organization, while the losing team will earn their organization $500. The two teams advancing to the Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game will compete for a $10,000 donation, with the losing team netting their beneficiary $5,000.

For this season’s Commissioner’s Cup, the Phoenix Mercury has proudly chosen to play for Black Mothers Forum. Founded in the Valley in 2016, Black Mothers Forum’s mission is to educate, organize and take action to promote healthy mindsets and relationships to end the school-to-prison pipeline and cultivate the school-to-purpose pipeline. The organization works to address the various concerns surrounding the safety and welfare of Black children by creating safe and supportive environments for children and their families.

“I am overjoyed and grateful that the women on the Phoenix Mercury recognize their responsibility to pave the way for the academic and socio-emotional well-being of our children,” said Black Mothers Forum Founder and President/CEO Janelle Wood.

Wood was previously honored by the Phoenix Suns during Black History Month and was presented with the 2022 Golden Standard Award, which recognizes African Americans in the community who are promoting equality and excellence in the Valley.

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