By Laura Soukkavong –
UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Connecticut Sun announced Monday that the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut has been selected as the team’s beneficiary for the 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase, linking the league’s in-season competition with charitable support for communities across southeastern Connecticut.
The 2026 Commissioner’s Cup will run from June 2 through June 17, with each WNBA team playing six in-conference games that count toward both the regular-season standings and Commissioner’s Cup qualification. The championship game is scheduled for June 30 and will be hosted by the team with the best record during Commissioner’s Cup play.
Connecticut’s Commissioner’s Cup schedule includes road games against the Atlanta Dream on June 2, the Chicago Sky on June 5 and the Toronto Tempo on June 17. The Sun will host the New York Liberty on June 8, the Indiana Fever on June 13 and the Washington Mystics on June 17 at Mohegan Sun Arena.
As part of the WNBA’s charitable initiative connected to the Commissioner’s Cup, each franchise selects a local nonprofit organization to support throughout the tournament. Organizations receive $3,000 for every Commissioner’s Cup victory, $1,000 for every loss, a $10,000 bonus if their team wins the Commissioner’s Cup championship and a $5,000 bonus if their team finishes as runner-up.
In conjunction with the tournament, the Sun will host the “Play it Forward” Toy Drive to benefit United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the Tommy Toy Fund. Fans are encouraged to donate generic toys and games for children ages 0-12. Donations will be accepted during the Sun’s Commissioner’s Cup home games on June 8, June 13 and June 17. Collection bins will be located outside both entrances to Mohegan Sun Arena. Fans may also contribute through the team’s designated Amazon wish list.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Connecticut Sun for selecting United Way of Southeastern Connecticut as their charity partner for the Commissioner’s Cup Tournament,” said Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. “The Sun continue to show what it means to lead with purpose, using their platform to bring people together and lift up causes that strengthen our communities. At United Way, we believe lasting change happens when people, partners, and resources come together around a shared commitment to help all people thrive. This partnership will help advance that work and create meaningful support for our neighbors across southeastern Connecticut. We are proud to stand with the Connecticut Sun and cheer them on throughout the tournament.”
Connecticut Sun President Jennifer Rizzotti said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to serving the region beyond basketball.
“United Way of Southeastern Connecticut plays a vital role in strengthening our communities by investing in programs that create real, lasting impact for families across the region,” said Jennifer Rizzotti, President of the Connecticut Sun. “We are proud to name United Way as our 2026 Commissioner’s Cup beneficiary, recognizing their unwavering commitment to advancing education, financial stability, and health. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to uplifting our community and making a meaningful difference both on and off the court.”
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut serves New London County and focuses its efforts on Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Community Resiliency. The organization coordinates support from donors, volunteers, community leaders and partner organizations while investing in programs designed to address local needs. United Way also supports 2-1-1 Connecticut, provides emergency assistance through Project Warm-up and operates the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, which distributes food through member agencies and Mobile Food Pantry sites throughout the region.
The announcement comes as the Sun prepare to begin Commissioner’s Cup competition Tuesday night, with each game carrying significance both in the standings and in support of charitable initiatives benefiting southeastern Connecticut communities.