NEW YORK — With less than a second to play in the fourth quarter and the result of Tuesday’s Commissioner’s Cup final all but officially decided, Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams began walking around the UBS Arena floor flashing the money sign.
Her teammate, guard Kayla McBride, was at the free throw line about to put the final two points on the Lynx’s 94-89 win over the New York Liberty. The result, as Williams’ gesture alluded, not only marked the organization’s first-ever Commissioner’s Cup championship but also came with a significant payday for the franchise’s players.
With a $500,000 payout to the winning team, each player’s bonus for winning the cup (around $40,000) is significantly more than winning the WNBA Finals (around $11,000). Presenting sponsor Coinbase has committed another $120,000 in cryptocurrency with $5,000 guaranteed for each player participating in the final, and there is a significant charity component, too.
Five Minnesota players scored in double figures, but it was guard Bridget Carleton who played her best game of the season. She scored 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting and added five assists. Forward Napheesa Collier had 21 points and six rebounds and took home MVP honors.
Make that 23 points for Bridget Carleton as she nails her…
