The WNBA expansion draft on December 6 brought its share of surprises. The league’s newest team, the Golden State Valkyries, had the opportunity to select one player from each existing team. However, teams were allowed to protect six players from their rosters. These protected lists were kept private, which left Indiana Fever fans stunned when they learned that backup center Temi Fagbenle was not among the protected players.
As a result, the Valkyries selected Fagbenle, a move that sparked backlash among Fever supporters who valued her contributions to the team’s success last season.
Indiana’s recently appointed chief operating officer and general manager, Amber Cox, addressed the controversial decision in a recent interview on the In Case You Missed It podcast with Khristina Williams. Cox admitted that leaving Fagbenle unprotected was difficult but asked fans to trust the team’s broader strategy.
“It’s really part of an overall plan, which, hopefully, everyone will see unfold throughout the offseason,” Cox said.
While the loss of Fagbenle is significant, Cox’s comments suggest that the Fever have more moves planned as they prepare for WNBA free agency. The offseason could bring new developments as the team looks to strengthen its roster.
One critical decision facing the Fever is the future of two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, who will become an unrestricted free agent when the window opens in January. Mitchell, the team’s top scorer last season alongside Caitlin Clark—both averaging 19.2 points per game—would be a much greater loss for Indiana to endure.
As the offseason progresses, Fever fans will have to wait and see how the team’s strategy unfolds, hoping the front office can deliver a competitive roster despite losing key players like Fagbenle.
