How Much Money Did Natasha Howard Earn After Winning Commissioner's Cup MVP?
The Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx faced off Tuesday night in the Commissioner's Cup Championship. Many expected the Lynx, who came in at 14-2, to take care of business with ease, especially with Caitlin Clark out with a groin injury.
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That wasn't the case, even after Minnesota jumped out to an early 13-point lead. From the midpoint of the second quarter on, it was all Fever. Natasha Howard led the way for Indiana, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in the 74-59 win.
It marked the Fever's first Commissioner's Cup title in franchise history, and Howard was named MVP.
With the win, the Fever earned a share of $500,000 and $120,000 in cryptocurrency from Coinbase. As MVP, Howard also took home an extra $5,000.
Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6) was named the MVP in the Commissioner's Cup title win.© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Howard signed with Indiana as a free agent this offseason and has brought a veteran presence in her 12th WNBA season. She was originally drafted fifth overall by the Fever in the 2014 WNBA draft and played two seasons with the team before moving on to Minnesota.
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After two seasons there, the 6-foot-3 forward played three for the Seattle Storm, two for the New York Liberty and two for the Dallas Wings.
Entering Tuesday night, Howard had career averages of 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
The Fever will enjoy the big win, but they need to get back to work quickly as they host the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night. Tip-off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
Related: WNBA Star Responds After Being Ranked Above Caitlin Clark in All-Star Player Voting
Related: Kelsey Plum Directly Addresses Caitlin Clark, Rest of WNBA's Shooting Struggles
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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