In a groundbreaking moment for women’s basketball, the Indiana Fever has reportedly offered Lisa Bluder the largest coaching contract in WNBA history.
The news has sent waves of excitement through the basketball community, and one player in particular, Lexie Hull, is thrilled about the prospect of Bluder taking the helm. “I’ve been her fan for years,” Hull expressed, highlighting the deep respect she has for the veteran coach.
Lisa Bluder’s career at the University of Iowa has been nothing short of spectacular.
With numerous NCAA tournament appearances and a reputation for developing players into elite talent, Bluder has become a pillar of success in women’s collegiate basketball. Her emphasis on teamwork, resilience, and individual growth has not only won games but has also shaped the lives of countless athletes.
For Hull, who has closely followed Bluder’s journey, this potential move to the Fever represents a dream scenario. “Her coaching style and philosophy are exactly what we need at the professional level,” she noted.
The Fever have been in a rebuilding phase, seeking new leadership to reinvigorate the franchise. Offering Bluder the biggest deal in WNBA history is a bold statement, reflecting the organization’s commitment to elevating the team’s performance. Hull believes that Bluder’s experience and tactical prowess could be the catalyst for the Fever’s resurgence.
“Bringing in a coach of her caliber would change everything for us,” Hull emphasized. “She knows how to build a winning culture and bring out the best in every player.”
Under Bluder’s guidance, Hull envisions a team that thrives on unity, skill development, and a shared goal of success.
Indiana Fever appoint Lisa Bluder, Natasha Howard signs – Caitlin Clark’s dream scenario
The Indiana Fever face an important few months in the off-season as they aim to build around star player Caitlin Clark, starting with the decision of who their next coach should be.
A reunion with Lisa Bluder could be on the cards for Caitlin Clark (Image: Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark could be returning to a very different-looking Indiana Fever next year.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a highly successful debut season in the WNBA on a personal level, winning the Rookie of the Year award and coming fourth in the MVP voting. But the Fever suffered an early exit in their first playoffs appearance since 2016 after a rollercoaster regular season.
They’ve already started preparations for 2025 by sacking head coach Christie Sides, who was accused of failing to get the most out of their star player’s potential. Her replacement could address that issue, while there’s other factors that might unfold in the coming months which would make for a dream sophomore year for Clark.
Lisa Bluder appointed
Speculation is already rife about who the Fever could pursue as their next coach. The Connecticut Sun’s Stephanie White has emerged as a top contender.
The 2023 Coach of the Year of course has a history with the Fever, having spent four of her five playing seasons with them and returning to lead them to only their second WNBA Finals appearance in 2015.
However, the task at hand for the Fever now is to build the team around Clark. And who better placed to do that than her college coach Lisa Bluder?
The 63-year-old nurtured Clark’s blossoming talent for the Iowa Hawkeyes, during which time they reached two NCAA national championship games. Bluder retired in May – but no opportunity would be more tempting than a reunion.
Natasha Howard returns
Since her first stint at the Fever, Natasha Howard has transformed into a completely different player. She’s a three-time WNBA champion from her spells with the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm.
And she was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Her return could be the perfect storm coupled with Clark’s emergence.
Howard would not only offer much-needed reinforcement at 4, but she’d also provide back-up in defence. She’s already made it clear she won’t be returning to the Dallas Wings, so the door is very much open.
Natasha Howard is the ideal free agent signing for the Fever (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Kelsey Mitchell stays
Right at the top of the Fever’s agenda should be tying Kelsey Mitchell down to a new deal. She was their second-leading scorer in the 2024 season, averaging 19.2 points per game.
The two-time All Star is part of the furniture after seven years with the side, and keeping a hold of her will only be a boost for Clark and Co. It remains to be seen if they can do so.
“She’s extremely important to the success of this, our future,” Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf said recently. “We intend to have lots of conversations and make sure she knows that, but I think she does know that.”
NaLyssa Smith [L] has struggled to gel with Clark and could be used as a makeweight in any trades (Image: Getty Images)
Salary cap increase
There’s no question that Clark is worth well more than her current five-figure salary. According to Sports Illustrated, it stands at just $76,535 (£58.78k).
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association’s decision to opt out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to see the current salary cap of $1.46 million per team skyrocket next year, with a new agreement based on league revenues set to be struck.
While Clark knows she needn’t worry about her pay packet with sponsorships raining in and her star only rising, a new contract with a wage which reflects her value is only fair and will serve as further encouragement for her to spur the Fever on to a first WNBA title since 2012.
