New York Liberty Face Connecticut Sun in Commissioner’s Cup Opener

Brooklyn, New York — The New York Liberty (6-0) will battle the Connecticut Sun (1-5) on June 1, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET at Barclays Center, marking the start of the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. The game will be broadcast live on NBCS-BOS, WWOR-My9, and Liberty Live.

The Liberty, coming off a championship season, are favored by 18.5 points. They have showcased a formidable defense led by Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart. The Sun, rebuilding after key departures, rely on veteran Tina Charles, who averages 17.2 points per game, to energize their offense.

This matchup underscores the Liberty’s early dominance in the season, boasting a league-high average of 91.6 points per game while restricting opponents to 76.8 points. Meanwhile, the Sun have struggled with a 1-5 record, reflecting their challenges in scoring, averaging just 68.0 points.

The game signifies the inaugural match of the mid-season tournament where teams vie for bragging rights and a prize pool. The Liberty’s lone loss to the Sun came during a preseason game but their regular-season performance has vastly differed, putting them as clear favorites.

The Liberty’s start to the season has been impressive, riding a six-game winning streak following their championship run. Their roster, now including Natasha Cloud, combines offensive prowess with defensive strength, as seen in their recent victory over the Indiana Fever, where Jones scored 26 points.

Since 2024, at home in Barclays Center, the Liberty have been dominant, holding a 16-4 record in Eastern Conference play. The arena, averaging over 12,000 fans last season, is expected to provide significant home-court advantage, especially with fan events planned around the game.

On the other hand, the Sun have had a challenging season, with a recent roster overhaul leaving them in search of stability. Coach Stephanie White aims to improve ball movement and reduce reliance on star player Charles. However, their slow offensive pace—ranking last in three-point shooting—is a significant hurdle.

The Liberty will look to exploit their advantageous position while the Sun will want to build momentum in this critical tournament. Betting odds heavily favor the Liberty, reflecting their performances in the initial games of the season. The anticipation surrounding the game is heightened by the Liberty’s successful history against the Sun in recent matchups.

As the teams prepare to clash, fans can expect a thrilling opener to the Commissioner’s Cup, highlighting the Liberty’s quest to defend their title against a determined Sun squad aiming for redemption.