ABANDONING Caitlin Clark & Indiana Fever AS
TEAMS REJECTS HER
Dana Bonner and the Indiana Fever: Instant Karma, Locker Room Fallout,
and a Harsh Lesson for the WNBA
The WNBA world was stunned by the abrupt end of the Dana Bonner era
with the Indiana Fever. News broke rapidly: Bonner not only had no
intention to return, but the Fever made the split official, cutting ties with a
player they once hoped would anchor their young, high-profile roster.
de, 1 “ The WNBA world w
) 7 with the Indiana Fe
™ a intention to return, |
» player they once he
What followed was a masterclass in “instant karma,” a rare m
the consequences of a player’s actions materialized with alm
speed. Bonner’s attempt to dictate her next steps—reported|
team except the Phoenix Mercury not to bother signing her—|
world-class fashion. Instead of a hero’s welcome on her preferred team,
Bonner found herself in limbo, blacklisted by wary league execs and,
notably, not even guaranteed a spot in Phoenix.
Let’s break down the drama, the business optics, and the implications for
the Indiana Fever, the WNBA at large, and Bonner herself.
de, 1 “ The WNBA world w
) 7 with the Indiana Fe
™ a intention to return, |
» player they once he
What followed was a masterclass in “instant karma,” a rare m
the consequences of a player’s actions materialized with alm
speed. Bonner’s attempt to dictate her next steps—reported|
team except the Phoenix Mercury not to bother signing her—|
world-class fashion. Instead of a hero’s welcome on her preferred team,
Bonner found herself in limbo, blacklisted by wary league execs and,
notably, not even guaranteed a spot in Phoenix.
Let’s break down the drama, the business optics, and the implications for
the Indiana Fever, the WNBA at large, and Bonner herself.From Team Leader to Locker Room Liability INSTANT Kt
Dana Bonner arrived in Indiana surrounded by hope and hype. Joinin, oon
franchise flush with excitement thanks to rookie superstar Caitlin Clark] RR
Bonner was banked on for veteran leadership and championship pedi and a Harsh |
The fever marketed her as a key piece in their young core’s developm The WNBA
Bonner’s presence, it was hoped, would lift the growing roster both on ll vit the india
off the court. intention to re
ser they or
Then, mid-season—uwith the team weathering adversity and Clark
hurt—Bonner cashed in her chips and walked away. In her own state:
she couched the move in professionalism: “| want to sincerely thank th
Indiana Fever for the opportunity… | felt the fit did not work out… | wisl
Fever success as they build around this dynamic group of young play:
But behind the scenes, sources say Bonner warned teams not to clail EA
off waivers unless it was the Phoenix Mercury. She attempted to choo: ™ a intention
her own path, dismissing all but her preferred destination. > player they
What followec
Teams Refuse to Bite—and Phoenix Isn’t Sold J ………
Ordinarily, a player of Bonner’s experience—a six-time All-Star, two-tii speed. Bonne
champ—uwould attract plenty of suitors, especially at the pro-rated pric:
she’d cost on waivers ($80,000 for the remainder of the season). But
and coaches around the WNBA balked. If she’d quit on Caitlin Clark, c
she do the same to them? Why invest in a player who’d proven her
commitment came with conditions?
Even more embarrassing for Bonner: Phoenix, the one team she craved,
hesitated. The Mercury had found a groove with their young talent and,
understandably. auestioned if brinaina in a 36-vear-old who iust abandoned
