There’s a lot of pressure on Stephanie White heading into her second season with the Indiana Fever.
The former WNBA Coach of the Year joined the Fever ahead of the 2025 season with high hopes. Unfortunately, injuries to Caitlin Clark and other key players got in the way of White’s debut season.
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White, however, still led the team to the Commissioner’s Cup title in 2025. The Fever also progressed to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs despite dealing with a full-blown injury crisis.
With a Clark-led, fully healthy roster heading into the new season, White is expected to deliver even better results.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and head coach Stephanie White.Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Fever also spent a lot of money during the offseason. They committed millions of dollars to their players following the establishment of a new collective bargaining agreement.
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Aliyah Boston’s four-year, $6.3 million extension is the richest contract in WNBA history. The Fever also signed Kelsey Mitchell to a one-year, $1.3 million supermax contract. Fever stars Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham also signed new deals, although the value of their contracts have not been made public.
White admits that the amount of money flying around is staggering.
“It’s just baffling hearing those numbers,” White said, via Fever reporter Scott Agness. “It’s crazy. I’m so thankful that this league is where we are right now — to still be a part of it and to see these things come to fruition.”
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The team’s offseason decisions on player contracts have left White perplexed. However, she is also adamant that it was the right move.
“These players deserve it,” she continued. “They have they have been a part of a tidal wave of changing the landscape of the game. I’m thankful that they are living in this moment. And I’m thankful that I’m still part of it.”
Related: Caitlin Clark Makes Opinion of Former Fever Coach Very Clear
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
