In a move that feels like the ultimate “welcome back” story, the Indiana Fever have hired a very familiar face to steer their ship: Stephanie White. Known for her grit, Midwest roots, and an undying passion for basketball, White’s homecoming comes on the heels of her recent departure from the Connecticut Sun, a decision she says is all about bringing her back to her family. And yes, folks, her basketball family happens to be the very franchise she helped lead to a WNBA championship as an assistant in 2012 and a Conference title as head coach in 2015. This one practically writes itself, doesn’t it?
White’s coaching record doesn’t hurt her case either. With four straight non-losing seasons and an impressive 92-56 record in the WNBA, she’s no rookie on the bench. She’s taken every team she’s led to the playoffs, and the Fever are banking on her track record of success to revive the franchise’s championship hopes. But even with all her experience and success, White says it was the call of home that clinched the deal. “First and foremost, it’s home,” White said, practically sparking a “Hoosiers”-level crescendo. “Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers—that’s in my DNA.”
The Fever are coming off their best season since, well, White was last around. They pulled off a respectable 20-20 finish, and while the Connecticut Sun swept them in the first round, there’s no question they’re trending up. With rising stars like reigning Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and 2023 ROY Aliyah Boston, White inherits a young, ambitious roster with a lot to prove. And don’t forget Kelsey Mitchell, who put together her best season yet and is likely thinking twice about her free-agent status with White back in the picture.
The official Fever welcome wagon came out in full force after the announcement, with Clark leading the pack. Her enthusiastic “Fevv showwwww” comment on Instagram pretty much summed up the excitement in the Fever camp.
Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes Wants WNBA in KC—Because, Why Not?
Super Bowl champ Patrick Mahomes wants a WNBA team in Kansas City. Sure, he’s got enough on his plate between the Chiefs, the Royals, the Current, and Sporting KC, but why stop there? “Kansas City is such a great place for me,” Mahomes explained. “Let’s bring as many sports in here and showcase how great Kansas City is—not only as a city but as a community.”
Mahomes isn’t the only pro athlete in on the WNBA ownership game. Jayson Tatum, inspired by his hometown pride, is backing a bid for a team in St. Louis, and Donovan Mitchell has his eyes set on Cleveland. Because what’s better than a little friendly competition between sports icons to see who can snag the next WNBA franchise?
Of course, Mahomes and Tatum aren’t alone in the hunt. Other cities, including Nashville, Houston, Denver, and even former WNBA stronghold Charlotte, are also lining up for a chance. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently noted that there are 10 to 12 cities vying for the next expansion spot after Toronto and Portland debut in 2026. Will KC win the Patrick Mahomes lottery? Only time—and possibly another MVP season—will tell.
Sabrina Ionescu, Playing Hurt, Still Gets Her Ring
And as if the WNBA offseason wasn’t already enough to keep fans buzzing, Sabrina Ionescu just revealed she played through the Finals with a high-grade UCL tear in her shooting hand. Yes, you read that right. The woman was launching threes and breaking ankles with a torn ligament! The New York Liberty star, known for her unstoppable offense, shot just 6 of 34 in the last two games of the Finals, but now we know why.
Despite her struggles, the Liberty managed to clinch their first-ever WNBA championship. Ionescu, who averaged a playoff-best 16.9 points per game, will reportedly avoid surgery and be re-evaluated in four weeks. And who knows, maybe by then she’ll have figured out a way to shoot with her left hand just to keep us on our toes.
Looking Ahead: 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery and Who’s Got the Luck?
For teams still building, November 17 marks a critical date—the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery. The Los Angeles Sparks have the best odds (44.2%) of grabbing the top pick, followed by Dallas and Chicago, each with a 22% chance. Washington, at a humbler 10.4%, rounds out the contenders for the next WNBA superstar.
With big names like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston setting the tone for young talent in the league, this year’s draft class promises to bring some fresh energy to the league’s bottom dwellers. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries will make their debut selection at No. 5 overall. So yes, draft fans, grab your popcorn—it’s about to get real.
Bottom Line: The Fever Are Fired Up, and the WNBA Keeps Growing
With White back in Indiana and Mahomes campaigning for more franchises, the WNBA’s future is looking bright. For Fever fans, White’s return offers hope that the franchise will return to its former glory. And for everyone else? Well, the Mahomes vs. Tatum rivalry for WNBA expansion might just be the off-court drama we didn’t know we needed.
