The WNBA on Monday moved the site of next week’s Commissioner’s Cup championship game from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to UBS Arena on Long Island, N.Y.
The game between the host New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx is scheduled for June 25.
However, the Barclays Center — the Liberty’s home arena — is hosting the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft the following day and is not available. UBS Arena is the home of the NHL’s New York Islanders.
“We are excited for the opportunity to defend our Commissioner’s Cup title in New York, and we appreciate our fans’ unwavering support of our team,” Liberty CEO Keia Clarke said in a statement. “While we wish we could have brought this game to our fans in our home arena, we are grateful to UBS Arena for accommodating us and providing a world-class venue in New York.”
The Liberty and Lynx will play at 8 p.m. ET, with the game airing on Amazon Prime Video.
New York won the Commissioner’s Cup last season, beating the host Las Vegas Aces 82-63 on Aug. 15, 2023.
“All you can do is control the controllables — it’s cliche like coaches say all the time, but it’s true,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said prior to the official announcement, per ESPN. “You just need to focus on what you’re supposed to do, and that’s go out there and play great basketball. Regardless of where it is, it doesn’t matter. Barclays is great, but if it’s not available, we go somewhere else.”
–Field Level Media