Ionescu drops 26 as Liberty repeat as Commissioner's Cup champions

Sabrina Ionescu scored 26 points as the New York Liberty captured the 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup, becoming the first franchise to win back-to-back in-season titles since the event launched in 2021. With Ionescu and Breanna Stewart anchoring the effort, New York reinforced its standing as the league's benchmark heading deeper into the season.

What happened

The New York Liberty are Commissioner's Cup champions again. Sabrina Ionescu poured in 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting to lead New York to the 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup title, with Breanna Stewart anchoring the effort alongside her. Ionescu added five rebounds and five assists in a complete floor game.

Why it matters

New York becomes the first repeat Commissioner's Cup champion since the in-season tournament launched in 2021, cementing its status as the class of the league. Ionescu's efficient scoring in a title game underscores her role as the team's primary offensive engine. The result is another marker of a franchise operating at the top of the WNBA.

By the numbers

Ionescu finished with 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including 5-of-13 from three, to go with five rebounds and five assists. New York is the first franchise to win back-to-back Commissioner's Cup titles since the event debuted in 2021.

What to watch next

The question now is whether New York can convert its in-season tournament momentum into the regular-season standings. A deep playoff run remains the ultimate measure, and the Liberty have positioned themselves as the team to beat heading deeper into the 2026 campaign.