If you told WNBA fans a year ago that the Indiana Fever would become the league’s most coveted destination for free agents, you probably would’ve been met with laughter. After all, the narrative was everywhere: “Nobody wants to play in Indiana.” It was a line repeated by fans, echoed by media, and, most memorably, trumpeted by Hall of Famer Cheryl Swoopes herself.

But fast-forward to today, and that narrative has been obliterated. The Fever just pulled off one of the most successful free agency runs in league history, stacking their roster with All-Stars, champions, and veteran talent. Meanwhile, Swoopes—once so sure of her take—has been left scrambling for explanations as Indiana’s front office and superstar Caitlin Clark have redefined what’s possible in the heartland.

From “Nobody Wants to Play Here” to “Where Do I Sign?”

Cheryl Swoopes, a legend of the game but lately more famous as a full-time Caitlin Clark skeptic, declared with chest that the Fever “wouldn’t be able to attract top free agents.” The supposed reason? Locker room drama and a lack of appeal. Swoopes insisted that “significant” players wanted out, not in.

And yet, here we are: Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, and even Asia Wilson’s best friend Cydney Colson all signed on the dotted line. Indiana didn’t just win free agency—they ran the table. Swoopes, meanwhile, is left looking like a malfunctioning Magic 8-Ball, wrong at every turn and now silent as the Fever stack the deck.

Why Are Stars Flocking to Indiana?

The answer is simple: Caitlin Clark. The rookie sensation didn’t tiptoe into the league or wait for permission from the old guard. She shattered records, electrified crowds, and instantly became the face of women’s basketball. Her game is undeniable, her impact off the charts, and her presence has made Indiana the epicenter of the WNBA.

Sydney Colson, when asked why she chose Indiana, cited her connection with Kelsey Mitchell and the good things she’d heard about Clark from Aces teammate Kate Martin. DeWanna Bonner, a six-time All-Star and WNBA champ, took to social media to clap back at the haters and said she was thrilled to play alongside Clark. Natasha Howard, a defensive powerhouse, openly gushed about Clark’s vision and playmaking. Sophie Cunningham, known for her swagger and edge, said she’s never felt more motivated and can’t wait to bring her “feisty” energy to Indy.

These aren’t role players chasing minutes. These are stars, leaders, and proven winners, all choosing to join a movement built around Clark and the Fever’s young core.

Cheryl Swoopes: From Critic to Contradiction

While the Fever were making moves, Swoopes was left grasping for new talking points. She doubled down, claiming Clark and Angel Reese “wouldn’t dominate immediately” and that Indiana’s culture would repel free agents. But as the signings piled up, her credibility evaporated. Swoopes even struggled to acknowledge Clark’s on-court dominance during broadcasts, going radio silent as Clark dropped 40-point performances and shattered assist records.

The truth is, Clark didn’t need anyone’s approval to become the face of the league—she simply earned it. Her global recognition, box office appeal, and transcendent play have made her the gravitational force of the WNBA. Hating on Clark has become a sport of its own, but the scoreboard doesn’t lie: she’s elevating teammates, selling out arenas, and attracting elite talent to a franchise that was an afterthought just a year ago.

The Fever Front Office: All In on the Vision

Give credit to head coach Stephanie White and the Fever’s front office. They didn’t treat Clark like a rookie who might be good “in a few years.” They treated her like a superstar who is great right now. Every signing, every trade, every move has been about building a contender around her and the team’s young core.

The result? Indiana now boasts a starting five of Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Aaliyah Boston—a lineup that instantly makes them title contenders. The $80 million practice facility, the aggressive free agency approach, and the belief in Clark’s vision have turned Indiana into the blueprint for WNBA success.

Old Guard Jealousy or Just Growing Pains?

Let’s call it what it is: some WNBA veterans and legends resent Clark because she didn’t wait her turn. She didn’t ask for permission to lead, she just did it—on and off the court. The league is breaking viewership records, selling out games, and finally getting the mainstream attention it deserves, largely because of Clark’s arrival. Instead of celebrating, some in the old guard seem threatened.

But Clark’s success doesn’t diminish what legends like Swoopes accomplished. It simply means the game is evolving, and for the first time, Indiana is at the center of it all.

The Caitlin Clark Era Is Here

The Fever are no longer just participating—they’re here to dominate. While the Las Vegas Aces scramble to keep their dynasty afloat and Chicago and Connecticut try to find answers, Indiana is stacking talent like Thanos collects Infinity Stones.

Clark isn’t just moving the needle—she is the needle. She’s the present and future of the WNBA, and the Fever are her launchpad for greatness. When she inevitably wins MVP in year two, the old guard can either keep complaining or finally admit: the game has changed, and Indiana is leading the way.

So, Cheryl, what happened to “nobody wants to play in Indiana”? The only thing more outdated than that take is the notion that Caitlin Clark isn’t already the most important player in women’s basketball. The Fever are coming for the championship—and the rest of the league better get used to it.