Why is the WNBA basketball black and white? Explaining the new game ball for the 2024 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup | Sporting News

The WNBA continues to evolve in each year of its existence since the league debuted in 1997.

Once thing that’s remained the same, however, is the league’s iconic orange and white basketball. The instantly recognizable game ball separates the WNBA from the NBA and any other league around the world.

For the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup, though, the league is opting for a new look. The WNBA is swapping its orange and white for black and white for the in-season competition. The new ball also will have rose-gold lettering and logos.

The Commissioner’s Cup isn’t new, so why is the WNBA changing the ball this year? The Sporting News answers that question and more below.

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Why is the WNBA ball black and white?

The WNBA is switching to a black and white ball with rose-gold lettering and logos for the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup.

While it’s not a permanent change by any means, the intent of the new game ball is to bring a distinctive look and feel to the in-season tournament.

“The fire orange and white WNBA ball remains iconic, but this new black, white and rose gold color scheme makes it instantly clear to fans when they are watching a Commissioner’s Cup game,” said Bethany Donaphin, head of WNBA league operations, in a news release.

The new Commissioner’s Cup ball is made by Wilson — the same company that manufactures the regular WNBA ball. It’s strictly a visual change.

MORE: Why is the WNBA basketball orange and white?

What is the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup?

The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is an in-season tournament that began in 2021, though the competition features not just a new game ball but also a new format for 2024.

Every regular-season game played from June 1-13 is also a Commissioner’s Cup game and will count toward the competition. Each team will play against all five of its conference opponents during the two-week span.

The best teams from each conference will face off in the championship with a $500,000 prize pool on the line. Last year, the Liberty defeated the Aces in the title game in a preview of the 2023 WNBA Finals matchup — though Las Vegas reversed the result in the playoffs.

All games played in the Commissioner’s Cup count toward the team’s regular-season record and are included in the 40-game schedule.

MORE: Explaining 2024 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup schedule and format

When is the 2024 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup?

The 2024 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup begins Saturday, June 1, and extends until Thursday, June 13.

The Cup kicks off with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever hosting Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on Saturday, June 1, at noon ET.

WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champions