Indiana Fever Head Coach Stephanie White Drops Shocking Announcement on Cutting Ties with 3 Key Players Due to Internal Tensions
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White announced today that the team will be parting ways with three key players due to what she described as “ongoing internal tensions and irreconcilable differences that were affecting team chemistry.”
The unexpected announcement was made during a press conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where White appeared visibly emotional but firm in her decision. The three players being released are veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, forward NaLyssa Smith, and guard Erica Wheeler — all of whom have been pivotal to the Fever’s resurgence this season.
“This was not an easy decision,” White said. “These are three incredibly talented women who have contributed so much to this organization. But at the end of the day, the unity and long-term health of this team come first.”
White cited “ongoing locker room issues” and a “lack of alignment on the team’s vision” as the main factors behind the decision, though she declined to go into detail about specific incidents. Sources close to the organization suggest growing friction between the coaching staff and certain players over roles, play-calling, and leadership dynamics.
Mitchell, who has been with the Fever since 2018, was widely viewed as the face of the franchise. Smith, a top draft pick in 2022, was considered a future cornerstone, while Wheeler provided veteran experience and a strong presence in the backcourt.
The news has rocked the WNBA world, with players and fans taking to social media to express shock, disappointment, and confusion.
“This is wild,” tweeted a current WNBA All-Star. “Kelsey Mitchell is elite. Something serious must have gone down.”
White emphasized that this decision was made in consultation with Fever management and ownership. “This is not about punishment. This is about building a culture of accountability, respect, and shared purpose,” she said.
The Fever have shown signs of improvement this season, but insiders report that internal conflicts have lingered behind the scenes, especially during the past month. Some players reportedly questioned White’s leadership style, while others expressed concerns over favoritism and lack of communication.
The Fever organization has not confirmed whether the players were traded, waived, or bought out, but official roster updates are expected later this week.
General Manager Lin Dunn released a brief statement echoing White’s comments: “Today’s decision reflects our commitment to building a unified and disciplined team. We thank these athletes for their contributions and wish them success wherever their careers take them.”
As the Fever look to regroup mid-season, all eyes will be on White’s next move and whether the team can bounce back from this major shake-up.
One thing is clear: something had to give, and Coach Stephanie White just made one of the boldest moves of her career.
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