The Indiana Fever have been turning heads in the WNBA since the first whistle blew at training camp on April 27. With bold offseason moves and a revamped roster, the Fever are no longer a team in transition—they’re a team with serious championship aspirations. Analysts like Rachel DeMita have already dubbed them “absolutely contenders,” while Jason Whitlock took it even further, calling their squad “a championship team that they put together around Caitlin Clark.” It’s been almost a decade since Indiana’s last championship, but with stars like Clark and Aliyah Boston, the Fever are back in the spotlight. And guess what? They have one key thing in common with their rivals, the Chicago Sky, that could make all the difference in 2025: a front office that has stayed the course.
On a recent episode of We Need to Talk, Ashley Nicole Moss praised the Fever for their long-term vision, saying, “One thing I really appreciate about the Fever, and I also can appreciate this about the Sky as well, is that they have stayed the course. And yes, that sometimes means having losing seasons or seasons that are mediocre, if you will, but ultimately knowing that the end result will be worth it.”
Staying the course wasn’t easy for Indiana; they had to wait 7 years to make it to the playoffs again but it’s paying off in spades. This season, they’re not just competing—they’re contending. Their roster additions have transformed the team from a group of potential spoilers into a playoff powerhouse. Key acquisitions like DeWanna Bonner (5x All-Star, WNBA Champion) for $200,000, and Natasha Howard (3x Champion, Former DPOY) for $214,666, provide leadership and a winning pedigree. But it’s not just about veteran experience—Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson, acquired for a combined $190,000, bring depth, shooting, and championship grit.
The true catalyst behind these changes? Stephanie White, who returned as head coach on November 1, 2024. White’s development-first mindset has always been her trademark, and her ability to mesh young talent with seasoned veterans has been key in this transformation.
The road however, wasn’t easy, as to finalize their roster, Indiana made the tough decision to waive Bree Hall and Jillian Alleyne on May 5—a step toward a more streamlined, focused lineup.
And guess what? The Sky are doing the same thing. With the acquisition of Ariel Atkins from the Washington Mystics, the Sky’s backcourt just got seriously dangerous. Alongside Atkins, Kia Nurse and Michaela Onyenwere bring the scoring and versatility needed to make waves. Re-signing Courtney Vandersloot ensures their championship experience remains at the helm. The Sky’s moves aren’t just about talent—they’re about strategy, and every decision, like waiving Tilly Boler, Arella Guirantes, and Sammie Puisis, is a step toward creating a team that can go all the way.
Both teams have finally reloaded and are locked, loaded, and ready to make serious noise in 2025. Champions? Maybe. Playoff-bound? Almost certainly—if everything falls into place.
Caitlin Clark is back—bolder, sharper, and ready to lead in Year 2
Speaking of future Champions, Caitlin Clark isn’t settling for headlines. She’s coming for growth, grit, and greatness in Year 2 of the WNBA.
After a rookie season that rewrote record books—including a staggering 223 turnovers across 40 games—Clark isn’t hiding from what held her back. Instead, she’s facing it head-on. “I think when you’re the point guard, you gotta be the strongest voice on the floor,” she told reporters Thursday. “At times that’s where I struggled last year.” No excuses—just honest reflection from a player hungry to evolve.
Syndication: Iowa City Press-Citizen Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 warms up before an Indiana Fever game against the Brazil national team, Nationalteam May 4, 2025 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa City , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJuliaxHansen/IowaxCityxPress-Citizenx USATSI_26092602
And she’s not doing it alone. Enter Sydney Colson—an 11-year vet with 2 championship rings and a locker room presence louder than any arena. But Colson isn’t there to steal the spotlight. She’s the guide Clark didn’t have in Year 1.
“Coming in as a rookie, you don’t know when to use your voice, you don’t know when to listen to your vets,” Clark admitted. “Just being a good leader is my main goal.”
That goal is shared by head coach Stephanie White, who’s surrounded Clark with a blueprint for growth: veterans like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard—both champions, both vocal leaders. Add White’s steady hand and strategic mind, and the Fever haven’t just built a team—they’ve built a launchpad.
Word is, Clark might even rock a shooting sleeve this season. But fashion aside, she’s suiting up for something bigger: leadership, redemption, and maybe—just maybe—a title run. Year 2? It’s not a sequel. It’s a statement.
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