The Indiana Fever lost two players in Friday’s WNBA Expansion Draft. Chloe Bibby is heading to the Portland Fire, while Kristy Wallace was selected by the Toronto Tempo.
The WNBA initiated a draft for the two new teams that will debut in 2026. Each side selected 11 players on Friday from a designated pool.
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The Fever, along with every other team in the WNBA, was allowed to protect a maximum of five players. While the lists were not made public, it is believed that the Fever decided to protectCaitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull and Makayla Timpson.
Neither Bibby nor Wallace was included in Indiana’s protected list, making them eligible for the expansion draft on Friday.
Indiana Fever forward Chloe Bibby (55) against the Phoenix Mercury during a WNBA game. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
General manager Amber Cox took to social media to send a parting message to Bibby and Wallace. While some fans expressed gratitude to the departing players, others voiced out their dismay.
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The loss of Bibby, in particular, left more than a few Fever supporters disgruntled. Cox and the Fever front office are now facing backlash for their decision not to protect the 6-foot-2 forward.
“That’s what happen when you protect a bench warmer TIMPSON over a reliable shooter like Chloe Bibby.. you sucked it again instead of signing player around CC you always do the other way.. hope CC will go elsewhere next year!! She doesn’t deserve you all,” a comment on X read.
“[Timpson] better workout and become great because if she doesn’t losing Bibby to protect KK is crazy work!!’ another said.
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“Should’ve protected Chloe,” a user wrote.
“There are just a few players in the WNBA who are 6’2”-6’3” with defensive versatility, rebounding ability, and the capacity to make three-pointers at a high percentage, plus score on all three levels like Chloe Bibby. You don’t unprotect a player like her,” a reaction read.
“Bibby should’ve played more. We need a new front office and coach,” said another.
“Wow that’s BS gonna real she was hurt when we needed her too. Now we can’t get our get back…I’m low key pissed off about this [expletive],” a fan wrote on Instagram.
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Bibby joined the Fever in 2025 as a mid-season recruit. She played just nine games before a season-ending injury cut her campaign short. Bibby averaged 3.9 points and 1.2 rebounds in 9.8 minutes per contest.
Bibby’s time in Indiana may have been short-lived, but it is clear that a good number of fans are not happy to see her go.
Related: Chicago Sky Announce Plan for Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
