What Happened to Indiana Fever?
The Indiana Fever is a professional women's basketball team founded in 2000, competing in the WNBA's Eastern Conference. After winning their first WNBA Championship in 2012, the team underwent a rebuilding phase, culminating in the drafting of No. 1 overall picks Aliyah Boston in 2023 and Caitlin Clark in 2024, which has revitalized the franchise and led to a playoff return in 2024 and a Commissioner's Cup victory in 2025. The team is currently preparing for the 2026 season with a strong core and significant organizational investments, including a new $78 million training facility.
Quick Answer
The Indiana Fever, a WNBA franchise established in 2000, experienced a significant resurgence with the arrival of top draft picks Aliyah Boston (2023) and Caitlin Clark (2024). After making the playoffs in 2024 and winning the Commissioner's Cup in 2025, the team is poised for continued success under head coach Stephanie White. As of April 2026, the Fever's core players are under contract, and the organization has unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art $78 million Sports Performance Center set to open before the 2027 season, signaling a strong commitment to the future of the franchise.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Team Founded and First Game
The Indiana Fever played their inaugural WNBA regular-season game, defeating the Miami Sol 57-54.
Tamika Catchings Drafted
The Fever drafted University of Tennessee star Tamika Catchings with the third overall pick in the WNBA Draft, laying the foundation for future success.
First Eastern Conference Title
The Indiana Fever won their first Eastern Conference title, marking a period of sustained playoff appearances.
First WNBA Finals Appearance
The Fever reached the WNBA Finals for the first time, ultimately losing to the Phoenix Mercury in a five-game series.
WNBA Championship Victory
The Indiana Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx 3-1 in the WNBA Finals to win their first and only WNBA Championship, with Tamika Catchings named Finals MVP.
Tamika Catchings Retires
Franchise legend Tamika Catchings retired, concluding a decorated career entirely with the Fever and ushering in a rebuilding phase for the team.
Aliyah Boston Drafted No. 1 Overall
After a challenging 2022 season, the Fever secured the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft and selected Aliyah Boston, who went on to win Rookie of the Year.
Caitlin Clark Drafted No. 1 Overall
The Indiana Fever selected collegiate superstar Caitlin Clark with the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, generating immense national attention and excitement for the franchise.
Return to Playoffs and Clark's Rookie of the Year Season
The Fever finished the 2024 season with a 20-20 record, clinching their first playoff berth since 2016. Caitlin Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA First Team.
Stephanie White Returns as Head Coach
The Fever announced they had parted ways with head coach Christie Sides and hired Stephanie White, who previously coached the team from 2015-2016, to lead the team starting in 2025.
Plans for New Sports Performance Center Unveiled
Pacers Sports & Entertainment unveiled plans for a world-class, $78 million Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center, set to be the largest and most advanced training facility in the WNBA.
Win 2025 Commissioner's Cup
The Fever won the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 74-59, despite Caitlin Clark being out with a groin injury.
Advanced to WNBA Semifinals
Under new head coach Stephanie White, the Fever finished the 2025 season with a 24-20 record and advanced to the WNBA semifinals before losing to the Las Vegas Aces in five games.
Renderings of New Training Facility Unveiled
The Indiana Fever unveiled the first interior renderings of their $78 million Sports Performance Center, which is currently under construction and expected to open before the 2027 WNBA season.
Start of 2026 WNBA Season
The Indiana Fever are scheduled to open their 2026 WNBA season with a home game against the Dallas Wings.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Indiana Fever joined the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) as an expansion team in 2000, playing their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The early years saw the team establish a foundation, notably drafting University of Tennessee star Tamika Catchings in 2001, who would become a franchise icon. Catchings led the Fever through an era of sustained success, including 12 consecutive playoff appearances from 2005 to 2016. The pinnacle of this period was the 2012 WNBA Championship, where the Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx 3-1, with Catchings earning Finals MVP honors.
Following Catchings' retirement in 2016, the Fever entered a rebuilding phase marked by several losing seasons and coaching changes. The team struggled to find consistent success, missing the playoffs for seven consecutive years. This period, from 2017 to 2023, saw the Fever finish at the bottom of the league standings multiple times, which, while challenging, positioned them for high draft picks.
A significant turning point arrived with the 2023 WNBA Draft when the Fever selected Aliyah Boston first overall. Boston quickly made an impact, earning Rookie of the Year. The momentum continued into the 2024 WNBA Draft when the Fever, again holding the No. 1 pick, selected collegiate sensation Caitlin Clark. Clark's arrival generated unprecedented buzz, leading to record attendance and viewership for the league. In her rookie season, Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA First Team, leading the Fever to a 20-20 record and their first playoff appearance since 2016, though they were swept in the first round by the Connecticut Sun.
The 2025 season saw further progress for the Fever. Despite Caitlin Clark missing most of the season, including the entire playoffs, due to injuries, the team finished with a 24-20 record under returning head coach Stephanie White, who was rehired in October 2024 after Christie Sides' departure. The Fever also achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in the final. They advanced to the WNBA semifinals before falling to the Las Vegas Aces in a five-game series.
As of April 9, 2026, the Indiana Fever are preparing for the upcoming 2026 WNBA season with a strong core. Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell are key players under contract. The team recently participated in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft, losing Chloe Bibby and Kristy Wallace, but retaining their core. In a major organizational development, the Fever unveiled the first interior renderings of their new $78 million, 108,000-square-foot Sports Performance Center, located near Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which is expected to open before the 2027 WNBA season. This facility represents a significant investment in player development and the future of the franchise, aiming to be the largest and most advanced training facility in the WNBA.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Indiana Fever made different choices?