The 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup is set to tip off on Tuesday evening, with the Las Vegas Aces taking on the New York Liberty at home. There's a gold-plated trophy on the line, in addition to $500,000 to be split evenly amongst the winning team.
Although the game was expected to be a thrilling matchup between two of the league's hottest teams, the game lost some of its luster thanks to injury to one of the league's biggest stars, in Aces center A'ja Wilson. The reigning MVP, who is leading the league with 25.1 points per game, received some tough injury news just hours before the game was scheduled to tip-off.
Is A'ja Wilson playing tonight against the Liberty?
Unfortunately, Wilson was ruled out of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship against the New York Liberty. She was ruled out on Tuesday morning with what Las Vegas is characterizing as a "right leg" injury.
A'ja Wilson is listed as out tonight for the Commissioner’s Cup championship game vs. the New York Liberty.
— espnW (@espnW) June 30, 2026
While she scored 30 PTS vs. Chicago, Wilson appeared to injure her ankle. pic.twitter.com/833edkInCq
The injury likely stems from a twisted ankle she suffered during the Aces' 107-99 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday, June 28. In the fourth quarter, Wilson appeared to twist her ankle while going for a rebound. She left the court briefly and went to the locker room, and did return to the game after a brief time there.
a’ja on her ankle after rolling it in the 4th quarter tonight:
— vote a’ja for ESPYS 🌟 (@aja22wilsonHQ) June 28, 2026
“it’s alright. it’s an ankle so it’ll snap back. i should be good after some nice treatment.”
via: @cbssports pic.twitter.com/UaQCNmUbCJ
The good news is that Wilson did go back in the game, and finished the contest with 30 points and 15 rebounds during the Aces win. After the game, she told reporters that her ankle is "alright" and it should snap back with some treatment.
30 points
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 28, 2026
15 rebounds
4 steals
3 blocks
A'ja Wilson caught up with @emily_proud after DOMINATING on both sides of the ball vs. the Sky. pic.twitter.com/XPqYmWJE7I
Unfortunately her one full day of treatment in between Las Vegas' games against the Sky and Liberty just likely wasn't enough for her to be healthy enough to play. With their leading scorer out, the Aces will likely have to turn to star guards Jackie Young, Chennedy Carter and Chelsea Gray to pick up the bulk of the offense. This marks Wilson's just seventh game she has missed across her seven seasons in the league.
Following the Commissioner's Cup game against the Liberty, Las Vegas' next game is set for Friday, July 3 against the Chicago Sky.
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