Washington Mystics have named Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation as their 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup beneficiary.

WASHINGTON — Ben’s Chili Bowl just celebrated its reopening after months of renovations, and now the Washington Mystics are partnering with them for the 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup beneficiary. 

The Mystics announced on Monday that they selected Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation as the team’s 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup beneficiary. They were selected in connection with the Mystics’ new rebel edition uniforms. 

The jerseys pay tribute to Washington, D.C.’s U Street and its Black Broadway era between the 1920s and the 1950s, in particular the women entrepreneurs and entertainers, including Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali, who sustained the corridor through times of adversity.

“We are deeply honored that the Washington Mystics have chosen the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation as their WNBA Commissioner’s Cup beneficiary,” stated Mrs. Ali. “At Ben’s, community has always been at the heart of everything we do. We truly appreciate the Mystics’ commitment to giving back and creating meaningful impact across Washington, D.C. and beyond. We’re thankful for this partnership and look forward to cheering on the Mystics throughout the tournament while working together to support and uplift our community.”

The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is an annual in-season tournament that features a 36-game schedule starting Monday, June 1, through Wednesday, June 17. For each Cup game Washington wins, Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation will receive a $3,000 donation. The foundation will also receive a $1,000 contribution for each loss. 

In addition to any funds earned through Commissioner’s Cup play, the Mystics plan to donate an additional $10,000 directly to Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation. The team from each conference with the best record in Commissioner’s Cup games will advance to compete for a $500,000 prize pool in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship game.

“We are thrilled to continue a longstanding partnership with Ben’s Chili Bowl and the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation to support the Washington, D.C., community through this season’s Commissioner’s Cup,” said Dana Campbell, Washington Mystics Vice President of Marketing. “It’s also an honor to continue amplifying the narrative surrounding our Rebel Edition jersey and the historic legacy of the city.”

The Mystics recognized Ali on Friday, May 29, when the team debuted its Nike Rebel Edition uniform on the court. Ali was presented with a Rebel jersey recognizing the importance of her legacy and the legacy of Ben’s Chili Bowl as a D.C. institution.

Mystics Commissioner’s Cup home games:

Tuesday, June 2 vs. Chicago Sky

Monday, June 8 vs. Indiana Fever

Friday, June 12 vs. Toronto Tempo

Mystics Commissioner’s Cup away games:

Saturday, June 6, at Atlanta Dream 

Sunday, June 14 at New York Liberty

Wednesday, June 17 at Connecticut Sun