What Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever players and staff say in exit interviews after 2025 WNBA season

The Indiana Fever’s rollercoaster of a season ended with their loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 5 of the semifinal round of the WNBA playoffs.

The Fever withstood an avalanche of injuries — most notably to second-year player Caitlin Clark — and an influx of hardship waiver signings who had to contribute right away to post a winning record and reach the playoffs. Indiana also had an unusual situation that resulted in a separation with DeWanna Bonner.

Indiana players, coach Stephanie White and COO and general manager Amber Cox sat down for exit interviews Thursday morning. Here’s a recap of the day, stories and more.

What will Indiana Fever players during offseason? Where will Indiana Fever players play?

Here’s a collection of where the six players who spoke Thursday will play this offseason, free agency and more.

Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull injury updates

Fever wings Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull were injured — Cunningham suffered a torn MCL Aug. 17 and Hull a back injury in the WNBA semifinals. Here’s where they’re at in their recovery process.

Caitlin Clark on what great leadership looks like, Napheesa Collier’s comments, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s alleged comments

Caitlin Clark mentioned that great leadership was needed across the board during CBA negotiations, which she called the biggest moment in WNBA history. Here’s what she said about the alleged comments by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert that Clark should be grateful for the WNBA platform for her sponsorship deals.

Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell on the future of the WNBA, CBA negotiations at Indiana Fever exit interviews 2025

In the two hours of exit interviews Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a central theme was the future of the WNBA. It appears a work stoppage is coming in the eyes of Sophie Cunningham. Here’s what everyone said.

Caitlin Clark injury timeline, what’s next for Fever star?

IndyStar Fever insider Chloe Peterson broke down the timeline of Caitlin Clark’s injuries, and why it was difficult for Clark to return. Plus, what’s next.

Sophie Cunningham seeks change in WNBA leadership, officiating

IndyStar reporter Joshua Heron has the story on Sophie Cunningham’s comments today about the poor officiating, including NBA players in awe of it, and why she thinks WNBA leadership has struggled in adapting.

Caitlin Clark on what she wants her career’s legacy

There’s a lot of conversation about the CBA negotiations with the WNBA, leadership etc. Clark talked at length about how pivotal a moment this is for the WNBA and how it will set up the future of professional women’s basketball. She wants it to be something kids and adults of all ages can be proud of.

“I hope that’s what my legacy can be.”

Caitlin Clark on her popularity, sponsorships, Cathy Engelbert comments

“I think that’s probably the way in which the league has changed over the course of the last few years. These kids in what they’re making in college these days is insane, and it’s probably more than what I was making. … Young women are beginning to build their brands in college and bringing that to the WNBA.”

“We are in the biggest moment in WNBA history. There’s no denying that, everybody knows that.”

Caitlin Clark makes joke about Hy-Vee, her first sponsorship

“Hy-Vee, the greatest grocery chain of all time, based in Des Moines, baby. Best chocolate long johns around.”

Caitlin Clark on what good leadership looks like

Clark said she’s been around a lot of great leaders and she’s trying to grow and learn, too. She said being a leader is all about relationships, “Why would my teammates want to listen with me if I didn’t have a relationship with them?”

Caitlin Clark on what she learned from the bench

Caitlin Clark said the biggest lesson she learned while recovering from an injury was how she could be there for teammates and pour into them. She said getting injured is an isolating thing and she’ll be there for any teammate who gets injured moving forward.

Caitlin Clark would love to play in Paris

A reporter who is French asked Caitlin Clark about playing in Paris. She said international experience is key to growing the game, and cited other leagues playing meaningful games overseas including the Pacers playing Victor Wembanyama in France.

Caitlin Clark loves the passionate sports fans in Indianapolis

Clark said that Indianapolis doesn’t feel like a big city because of how close-knit it is with everyone supporting each other.

Will Caitlin Clark play in the WNBA offseason?

Caitlin Clark smiled when she said she’s going to look at all opportunities when considering where she will play this offseason. The only group she mentioned was USA Basketball and having to ramp up for that.

Caitlin Clark on Indiana Fever season, friendship

Speaking on the Fever’s culture, Caitlin Clark said that the friendship and empathy each player had was a key to their success and why they went as far as they could.

Caitlin Clark’s reasonable goal returning from injury

Clark said it is “very reasonable” that she could be back to 5-on-5 by the end of October. She said that the physicality and not knowing the cuts one makes consciously when playing is misunderstood versus the spot shooting videos from her recovery timeline.

Caitlin Clark logo, Nike brand

Caitlin Clark is wearing her custom logo with Nike. For more, see this story:

Caitlin Clark on Cathy Engelbert’s alleged comments on sponsorships

Clark said she hadn’t heard the story on what Engelbert allegedly said about the WNBA platform and her sponsorships. Clark also said that Engelbert did not reach out after Phee’s comments.

“First of all, I have great respect for Phee. I think she made a lot of very valid points. I think what people need to understand is we need great leadership in all levels. … This is a moment we have to capitalize on. … Phee said it all.”

Caitlin Clark injury update, ankle injury

Clark said she’s started feeling her best in the past couple weeks. She said her ankle rolled all the way forward and was “probably one of the worst sprains I’ve ever dealt with.” She said when you’re injured it is more work than when you’re playing.

She said she felt pain in her right groin when she got hurt in July against Connecticut and didn’t put a timeline on her ankle injury. She said she never had a thought of not returning but she just ran out of time.

“I’ve been working really hard to get back to full health.”

Caitlin Clark speaks for the first time

Clark is here.

Sophie Cunningham said that was mild, may have more for her podcast

Sophie Cunningham said that would be tame. One reporter joked he wants the other version. Cunningham said that may come out on her podcast.

Sophie Cunningham on Cathy Engelbert’s comments on Caitlin Clark

Cunningham didn’t have much to add about the alleged comments by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert toward Caitlin Clark, which said Clark should be grateful for the WNBA platform that lead to her sponsorships.

“Cathy always makes it about her, when it should be nothing about her.”

IndyStar proved that to be wrong.

Sophie Cunningham on the WNBA negotiations with the CBA

She said that a lockout, where they’re headed, would be the dumbest decision.

“We are not going to play until they get us what they deserve.”

Sophie Cunningham on injury updates, WNBA free agency

Cunningham authoritatively said that she will be ready to play in 2026. When asked about her future, she said that she is going to take a look at other opportunities because she has to. So there are no guarantees she will be back, but she loved being back in the Midwest as a Missouri native.

“I have loved being here. … I had a great time here and I’d love to be back.”

Sophie Cunningham on negotiations of CBA with WNBA, Napheesa Collier comments

Cunningham said that Napheesa Collier probably only said the 1% she knows of the CBA negotiations. Collier is vice president of the players’ association.

Sophie Cunningham: WNBA officiating criteria needs to change

Cunningham said the above quote and that people don’t know how to officiate basketball to change the criteria. “That definitely needs to change.”

Sophie Cunningham on state of WNBA, NBA players reactions

Cunningham said that NBA players have reached out to the WNBA players about how bad the league is. She called the court “a battlefield” with how physical the game is, and players on court agree at the same team. She questioned leadership not doing anything and said the game is not fun to watch because “everybody is trying to kill each other.”

“Our leadership from top to bottom needs to be held accountable … Great business people but don’t know shit about basketball.”

Sophie Cunningham on Indiana Fever season

“The season was amazing in so many ways, the love in the locker room, the way the fans embraced us … it was also a season in hell. … When it’s blow after blow, it’s exhausting.” For us to take a deep breath and know no one else is getting injured.”

Sophie Cunningham has joined Indiana Fever exit interviews

“I’m going to be good today,” Sophie quipped.

Kelsey Mitchell on WNBA free agency, returning to Indiana Fever

Mitchell was asked about what’s next for her as a WNBA free agent. She said that family is going to play a big factor in her decision after eight years with the Fever, she’ll let everyone know when they know, but offered this great line:

“I hope we have a league. I hope when it’s all said and done we have a season.”

The Fever finished with more players than they can bring back in free agency, but COO and general manager Amber Cox said that Mitchell is the top priority.

Kelsey Mitchell speaking on what she learned from NBA players

Kelsey Mitchell said she learned from Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the NBA Playoffs which gave her confidence to take risks in her own game.

“They took risks. … You guys seeing me taking risks was just trusting myself and trusting confidence in my game.”

Kelsey Mitchell on Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark injury

Mitchell spoke on the trying times of the season and the “big” adversity the Fever faced, losing “big” pieces.

“It’s hard to find culture and establish that when you’re trying to make a run. … We could’ve folded and we didn’t.”

Kelsey Mitchell refused a stretcher

Mitchell had a funny response multiple times saying she wasn’t going to use a stretcher. She said her feet were dangling because she had no bloodflow or feeling. She had to be carried off the court.

Kelsey Mitchell grateful for family, teammate support

Mitchell said that Lexie Hull was holding her hand, Aliyah Boston prayed over her and others were telling her she’d walk again while she was laying on the floor in the loss to the Aces.

Kelsey Mitchell on meeting with doctors for rhabdomyolsis

“That’s a once in a lifetime thing. … I literally played till my wheels fell off.”

Kelsey Mitchell on injury to end Indiana Fever season

Notably, Kelsey Mitchell walked into the press conference room and up a set of stairs. She joked that it happened at random, although she doesn’t know how random because of it being Game 5.

“I feel fine. I don’t think I could play in another game. … I should probably take some time and just reset because I lost a lot of fluid. … I was scared because my legs were so numb … I think it just happened over usage. I ‘ve never played that long, I never made it to the postseason.”

She added it’s a learning area for where her body needs to be for the playoffs.

Kelsey Mitchell is on her way for her Indiana Fever exit interview

Kelsey Mitchell will join us next.

Aliyah Boston on growth for next season

Boston said she wants to get better and stronger in the mid-post to make teams have to defend her better. She also wants to become a better and more consistent 3-point shooter.

Lexie Hull on CBA negotiations, players value

Lexie Hull is an alternate team representative for the Fever and the CBA negotiations. Here’s her full quote on that:

“We’re still headed forward and up. The growth of the sport has shown you can’t set a bar because we continue to reach farther and expand. It’s so exciting to be a player at this pivotal time in the sport. I’m really hopeful that will be valued, especially with CBA negotiations coming up. We’ll see how the league values us as players and as drivers of that growth.”

Aliyah Boston on offseason plans, Indiana Fever roster

Boston will provide analysis for NBC/Peacock and play in Unrivaled. She said she’s excited to talk about basketball and “hype up” the next generation.

Boston is under contract for the 2026 season and is excited to be a part of those conversations.

Aliyah Boston on her development

Boston said the expansion of her game started with playing more in the high post, being able to pass and continue her strength of her back-to-the-basket game.

Aliyah Boston has more on Indiana Fever season

Boston said it was such a different vibe with the Indiana Fever season, joking, “I knew I was still oing to get blasted on film.”

“Everyone was such a big piece.”

Stephanie White called Aliyah Boston a rock of Indiana Fever, here’s Boston’s response

Boston let out a soft “aw, she’s so nice” when told of what Stephanie White called her.

Aliyah Boston rollercoaster season with Indiana Fever

Aliyah Boston is here. She’s asked about her up-and-down season and how she maintained her presence throughout.

“I think for me it’s always been about staying level-headed, and there’s no better way to test that when you have so many things to adapt to.”

Lexie Hull on Caitlin Clark’s injury

Lexie Hull and Caitlin Clark have built a friendship over the last two seasons. Hull was asked about watching Clark throughout her injury battles, recovery and training. Here’s what she said, in part:

“It’s so hard. I think when you have someone that’s so competitive and really so much of what brings them joy is being on the court and fighting, competing and winning games … it’s really hard. You don’t want that for anybody, and someone our taem counts on and our fans want to see … it’s really hard. I’m proud of her ability to continue to show up. It’s not easy to show up for a flight after getting a workout in.”

Lexie Hull excited about Unrivaled, offseason plans

Lexie Hull’s plans are to play in Unrivaled this offseason and is excited about playing a fast-paced, 3×3 game. She said she’ll stay in the Indy area to train with coaches.

Lexie Hull on special moments of Indiana Fever season

The Commisioner’s Cup championship is something Lexie Hull said nobody can take from them, and then everything the team faces — injuries, playing with groups we haven’t practiced with for the first time in games — are among memories.

Lexie Hull injury update

Lexie Hull was short in saying her back “is better” and joked that she looks forward to sitting and not doing anything.

Lexie Hull on WNBA free agency, Fever can bring her back

The Fever have the ability to match whatever contract Lexie Hull might sign with another team as a restricted free agent. Hull talked about how happy she is in Indiana.

“I’ve built a life here in Indiana.”

Lexie Hull on Indiana Fever being proud of team

Here’s Lexie Hull on what she thinks of being proud of the Fever.

I think following the game, it’s disappointing to lose, most seasons end on a loss … when you sit back and think about everything that happened in our year, we just exceeded expectations. I think that’s where our pridefulness comes from. I think proud is the big sentiment of the season.

Natasha Howard’s plans for the offseason, WNBA free agency

Natasha Howard said she plans to take a mini vacation before going to play in China during the offseason. She stands to be a free agent but is unsure of future plans.

“Free agency, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m not trying to think about that right now. I’m going to dissect everything from this season. … When that time comes, you guys will know.”

Why are the Indiana Fever so proud of season? Here’s Natasha Howard’s take

Natasha Howard said the start of the Indiana Fever’s season was tough but she’s proud of what everyone did collectively. The response was in question to the use of the word proud in social media posts by players. She said the main goal was to get to the WNBA Finals and they still fell five minutes short is amazing.

“We all stood together, we fought together; none of us took anything for granted.”

Natasha Howard gets emotional talking about Indiana Fever

It’s clear what this season and team meant to Natasha Howard, and it can be heard in her voice.

“Our job is not done. It starts with the offseason. … I’m kind of getting emotional talking about this because we fought. I love this group, I’d take this group over any team.”

Natasha Howard on Indiana Fever’s adventurous season

I’m really proud of this group, how we overcame so many injuries. A lot of people didn’t know we were going to make it all the way to the semifinals but we proved a lot of people wrong … I’m just really proud of how we fought … I’m really grateful to be part of this group.

Amber Cox on Caitlin Clark’s injury

Amber Cox was asked about Caitlin Clark’s recovery and how hard she worked to come back from injuries throughout the season. She said that Clark showed up as a leader with a consistent voice.

“None of us wanted to see Caitlin on the sideline, she’s such a dynamic player and just a joy to watch. We hate that for her but, man, for all of you to understand how hard she worked to get back on the court, day in and day out, … that was an open question because she was really trying. We got to that West Coast road trip and there just wasn’t enough time for her to come back.”

Amber Cox on Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White and coaching staff

Amber Cox was asked about Stephanie White and said, “I can’t say enough good things about Stephanie White and her staff.” She called her a “master communicator” and that she would run through a wall with some of the pregame speeches.

Then she added this:

“Quite frankly, it is shocking to me that she didn’t end up on the coach of the year ballot with votes … for my vote (she) was the coach of the year.”

Will Kelsey Mitchell be back for Indiana Fever in 2026?

Kelsey Mitchell was a WNBA MVP finalist and COO and general manager said that Mitchell will be a “priority” for the Fever to bring back after her breakout campaign.

She added that they have plans for a lot of the players but due to the uncertainty of the offseason she doesn’t know what will happen.

Amber Cox on Indiana Fever injuries

The Fever had six season-ending injuries, plus Kelsey Mitchell exiting the finale early. Amber Cox spoke at length about reflecting on the flight home from Las Vegas and the different players who stepped in throughout the year.

“Bad luck down the line … we’ve hit our quota for several years, I hope.”

Amber Cox on how the Indiana Fever approach an uncertain offseason

The Fever are still going to scout the college game and internationally like normal but the changes with a new collective bargaining agreement do create uncertainty of what roster management will look like.

“I think you control the controllables. … “We’ll be ready to go, plan as much as you can.”

Amber Cox opening statement on Indiana Fever organization

COO and general manager Amber Cox talked about the support of fans, the Pacers, the Colts — she’ll attend her first game this season Sunday, she said —and more.

“I want to start out this morning with a little bit of gratitude. I feel fortunate to work with this organization … you walk around this building and everybody is so supportive and so excited about what is happening with the Fever.

“Really showing up in an authentic way for us and, obviously, we feel the same way for them.”

Stephanie White just wrapped up and Amber Cox will join us momentarily

Next up for Fever exit interviews is COO and general manager Amber Cox. She’ll join us in a minute.

Stephanie White and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle speak highly of each other

There is a clear admiration between the two professional basketball coaches who frequent Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle spoke highly of Stephanie White at Pacers media day, and White reciprocated during today’s exit interviews. She added that she has a great relationship with Pacers assistant coach Jenny Boucek, too.

Stephanie White on Aliyah Boston’s up-and-down season

Aliyah Boston had an up-and-down season and coach Stephanie Whtie said she was the most effected by all of the season-ending injuries.

“AB’s just solid and mature, she’s just a mature human being. She gets the big picture, wants to contribute in a way that helps the team. She was probably the most effected by all of the change, and she just continued with it. … She’s the rock. She’s the one who keeps everybody settled, everybody calm, manages the situation.”

Stephanie White on Kelsey Mitchell’s injury, season

Coach Stephanie White said she appreciated Kelsey Mitchell, who she wanted to sign when she got the job as Fever coach. She added that there is an importance on recovery and hydration as she still learns about Mitchell suffering from rhobdomyolsis that caused her to exit Game 5.

“Kelsey’s meant a lot to me. She was the No. 1 priority in free agency. I’ve always admired how she plays the game and what she brings to the team. … She’s just the ultimate competitor, she’s a great human being and she does literally leave it all out on the floor.”

Stephanie White sums up Indiana Fever season in one word

The Fever’s coach said “resilience” is the one-word summary for the 2025 Fever.

Stephanie White on Indiana Fever core and laying foundation

The Fever went 24-20 during the regular season and made an improbable run to the WNBA semifinals.

“I think, first and foremost, it just revealed the kind of character we have — the toughness, the relentless spirit, the flexibility, the versatility and coachability, honestly. Laying the foundation of No. 1 the expectations and No. 2 what a healthy working relationship looks like.”

Indiana Fever exit interviews 2025 schedule, who will speak today?

Here is the planned schedule for interviews today: coach Stephanie White at 9:30, COO and general manager Amber Cox at 9:45, Natasha Howard at 10, Lexie Hull at 10:15, Aliyah Boston at 10:30, Kelsey Mitchell at 10:45, Sophie Cunningham at 11 and Caitlin Clark at 11:15.

2026 Indiana basketball roster, who will join Caitlin Clark next season?

Many of the Fever players will be free agents this offseason in conjunction with the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement Oct. 31. IndyStar Fever insider Chloe Peterson gave a player-by-player breakdown.

Lexie Hull played through back injury during WNBA Playoffs against Aces

Wing Lexie Hull suffered a back injury in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces. She appeared as questionable on the injury report for Game 2, and played in each game of the series.

“We have a saying in our locker room, ‘Standard over feeling,’” she said, in part, prior to Game 3. “Regardless of how your body’s feeling, however your mind is feeling, we’re here to take care of the Fever standard and that’s all you can do.”

Kelsey Mitchell injury update: Fever star guard suffered from rhabdomyolysis

Kelsey Mitchell suffered an injury midway through the third quarter of Game 5. She was helped to the floor by an official in what she described was a paralyzing numbness. What was initially described as cramping was revealed by Mitchell as rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening injury that can happen after excessive exercise without rest.

Caitlin Clark sponsorships before WNBA career refutes commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s alleged claim

Napheesa Collier said Tuesday that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told her that Caitlin Clark should be thankful for the WNBA’s platform for her sponsorship opportunities. However, IndyStar refuted that alleged claim with a list of the sponsorship deals before Clark was drafted.

How to watch Indiana Fever exit interviews

Fever exit interviews are not publicly available. IndyStar however will have a running playlist throughout the day.

Who is speaking at Indiana Fever exit interviews?

Six players, coach Stephanie White and COO and general manager Amber Cox are scheduled to speak. Cox will start at 9:30 a.m., then White at 9:45 a.m. Players will begin at 10 a.m. but a schedule is not yet set.

The players speaking include Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull.

What time do Indiana Fever exit interviews start?

Indiana Fever exit interviews are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and run for approximately two hours.

Indiana Fever contracts

Many WNBA players are free agents after the 2025 season, with deals ending before the league and players association negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. A new CBA would likely take into account a large pay increase tied to the league’s expanded media rights agreement.

Indiana Fever players under contract for 2026, WNBA free agents

Figures according to Spotrac

Under contract (with 2026 salaries): Aliyah Boston, $94,740; Caitlin Clark, $85,873; Makayla Timpson, $70,653. Unrestricted free agents: Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard, Damiris Dantas, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Brianna Turner, Aari McDonald, Odyssey Sims, Aerial Powers, Shey Peddy. Restricted free agent: Lexie Hull. Exclusive rights free agents: Chloe Bibby, Bree Hall.

How much money does Caitlin Clark make? Caitlin Clark’s WNBA salary

Caitlin Clark made $78,066 in 2025 and is set to make $85,873 in 2026. It’s unclear how a new collective bargaining agreement would affect her salary.

Chloe Peterson is your best Fever follow, watch IndyStar TV for more coverage and sign up for our Fever newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever players and staff say in exit interviews after 2025 WNBA season

Reporting by Aaron Ferguson and Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star

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