
Valkyries to Play for 'Youth UpRising' in 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup, Presented by Coinbase
Published on June 1, 2026 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Golden State Valkyries News Release
The Golden State Valkyries will tip-off Commissioner's Cup play hosting the Portland Fire at Chase Center on Tuesday. During the league's milestone 30th season, the 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by Coinbase is themed "Our Game, Our Legacy," celebrating the organizations and community leaders driving lasting impact across WNBA markets.
"The Commissioner's Cup in-season tournament has become a premier tentpole series on the WNBA calendar because it offers elite competition showcasing conference match ups, high caliber play, and meaningful community impact," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "As we celebrate the WNBA's 30th season, 'Our Game, Our Legacy' shines a light on the organizations and community leaders - from longstanding team partners to groups helping our newest teams build roots in their communities - who have helped shape the identity and impact of WNBA teams over time. Together with Coinbase, the players and teams, the WNBA is proud to continue using the power of sport to create lasting impact beyond the game."
The WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by Coinbase features a 49-game schedule from June 1-17. The team from each conference with the best record in Cup play will advance to the 50th game - the WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship presented by Coinbase - hosted by the team with the best winning percentage in Cup play. Players in the Championship Game will compete for a prize pool totaling $500,000.
The sixth annual in-season competition once again combines elite on-court play with community investment, with all 15 WNBA teams competing for over $200,000 in donations to their selected nonprofits. For each Cup game during pool play, the winning team will earn a $3,000 donation for its designated nonprofit organization, while the losing team will earn $1,000 for its selected organization. An additional $10,000 donation will be awarded to the nonprofit partner of the Commissioner's Cup champion, while the runner-up team's organization will receive $5,000.
The Golden State Valkyries will be playing for 'Youth UpRising.' Founded in 2005 following years of planning sparked by the 1997 racial tensions in Oakland, Youth UpRising works to transform East Oakland by developing youth leadership and improving the systems that impact young people. As a community hub, Youth UpRising provides programs and services focused on wellness, education, career development, and community connection for local youth and young adults. Through their partnership, the Golden State Valkyries and Youth UpRising are investing in the next generation while honoring the history and resilience of the East Oakland community.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from June 1, 2026
- Seattle Storm Postgame Notes 6.1.26 - Seattle Storm
- Wings Crush Seattle in Commissioner's Cup Opener - Dallas Wings
- Aces Conclude 3-Game Road Swing at Los Angeles on June 2 - Las Vegas Aces
- Connecticut Sun Announce 2026 Commissioner's Cup Beneficiary - Connecticut Sun
- Valkyries to Play for 'Youth UpRising' in 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup, Presented by Coinbase - Golden State Valkyries
- Washington Mystics Select Ben's Chili Bowl Foundation As 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup Beneficiary - Washington Mystics
- Portland Fire Tips off Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday, June 2 against the Golden State Valkyries - Portland Fire
- Phoenix Mercury Sign Guard Lexi Held - Phoenix Mercury
- WNBA Commissioner's Cup Presented by Coinbase Returns with Our Game, Our Legacy Theme Celebrating Community Impact Across the League - WNBA
- Golden State Valkyries' Maria Valdehueza Named to Sports Business Journal's Forty Under 40 List - Golden State Valkyries
- Chicago Sky to Face Six-Opponent Commissioner's Cup Gantlet to Open June - Chicago Sky
- Sky Kick off Commissioner's Cup Play against Mystics - Chicago Sky
- Sky's Ability to Fight Through Adversity Is the Defining Trait of First Month - Chicago Sky
- Sky Falls to Minnesota - Chicago Sky
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Golden State Valkyries Stories
- Valkyries to Play for 'Youth UpRising' in 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup, Presented by Coinbase
- Golden State Valkyries' Maria Valdehueza Named to Sports Business Journal's Forty Under 40 List
- Game Preview: Valkyries vs. Portland Fire - 6/2/26
- Golden State Postgame Notes: Aces 91, Valkyries 81
- Valkyries Battle to the End in Loss to Aces


