When the final buzzer sounded at Minneapolis’s Target Center, the Indiana Fever proved their mettle. Toppling the Minnesota Lynx 74–59 to capture their first-ever WNBA Commissioner’s Cup crown, the team did this without their star player, Caitlin Clark.
As news of Indiana’s triumph spread, WNBA supporters flooded social media platforms with praise for the Fever’s depth. Some even highlighted how Indiana managed to grab the win without Clark, while a few said that the Fever should trade Clark to another team.
Indiana Fever Clinch Commissioner’s Cup Title Without Caitlin Clark as Social Media Erupts
Clark was sidelined from the July 1 matchup after suffering a left groin injury on June 24. Head coach Stephanie White confirmed that Clark was medically advised to sit out the Cup Final as a precautionary, day-to-day measure to ensure her long-term health.
Though she cheered on her teammates from the bench and offered strategic input, Clark’s dynamic playmaking includes her averaging 18.2 points and 8.9 assists through nine contests this season.
As news of Indiana’s victory reverberated across platforms, WNBA fans reacted with delight at the Fever’s ability to prevail without their breakout star. On X, the account @SPORTSPINZ tweeted, “The Fever could win without Caitlin Clark,” a phrase that quickly became a rallying cry among supporters.
The Fever could win without Caitlin
— SPORTSPINZ (@SPORTSPINZ) July 2, 2025
Threads on X lit up, expressing their surprise that the Fever won the match without their star player. One X user wrote, “They won a championship without Clark ?? .. They should trade her; they’ll probably win a WNBA championship if they do.” Meanwhile, another fan commented, “Winning with their best player in street clothes is overcoming adversity.”
Several fans felt it was unfair to feature Clark so prominently on the WNBA’s X poster when she didn’t play, especially considering the impact of Natasha Howard, who was named the unanimous Commissioner’s Cup MVP.
One X user complained, “Caitlin didn’t even suit up, yet she’s front and center on the graphic while MVP Natasha Howard is relegated to the side.” Another reiterated, “Cc was a no-show once again on the big stage, lol; take her face out this picture.”
Understanding the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
Launched in 2021, the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is an in-season tournament designed to heighten regular-season stakes and engage fans with a championship that falls outside the traditional playoff structure.
From June 1 to June 17, 2025, each Eastern Conference team played five designated Cup games (one against each conference opponent), while Western Conference teams (expanded to seven clubs with the Golden State Valkyries) played six Cup matchups. Teams earned conference standings solely based on their Cup game records, with the Eastern and Western leaders advancing to the Cup Final on July 1.
The champion claims a total prize pool of $500,000 plus an additional $120,000 in cryptocurrency courtesy of sponsor Coinbase. In 2025, Indiana represented the Peace Learning Center, while Minnesota supported the ACLU of Minnesota.
The crown belongs to the @IndianaFever
Congratulations @aa_boston and @sophaller on winning the 2025 @WNBA Commissioner’s Cup.#YouGotThis pic.twitter.com/2Vj5GSVK9l
— adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) July 2, 2025
The victory offers momentum as Indiana returns to the regular season, where they are 8-8 this year. The Commissioner’s Cup’s result won’t affect the standings of the ongoing WNBA regular season. Meanwhile, Clark’s recovery remains shrouded; according to Sports Illustrated, White said, “We still don’t know. I mean, it’s a day-to-day thing. [She] did some stuff at practice today, making sure we don’t have any setbacks, and revisit tomorrow at shootaround and see how she feels.”
With Clark’s recovery timeline still unfolding, Indiana’s medical staff will balance her return with long-term health. Meanwhile, the Fever gear up to host five back-to-back matchups at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, starting on July 3 against the Las Vegas Aces. They will play against the Los Angeles Sparks, Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream, and Dallas Wings consecutively till July 11.
