The New York Liberty won the franchise's first WNBA title this past October after a grind-it-out series against the Minnesota Lynx. Game 5 went to overtime, where the Liberty prevailed 67-62. The Lynx were devastated by the outcome and angry with the officiating. With both teams likely to bring back most of their rosters, the rivalry was expected to be just as red-hot in 2025.
But nine months later, they have yet to play this season. Their potential meeting in a second consecutive Commissioner's Cup final evaporated with a Liberty loss to the Indiana Fever, who then took the Cup title over the Lynx on July 1.