The WNBA Expansion Draft on Friday night brought a major shock to fans of the Indiana Fever, as veteran forward Temi Fagbenle was selected by the newly-formed Golden State Valkyries. Fagbenle, who had made her return to the league in 2024 after spending time playing in the UK, had been expected to be one of the Fever players protected ahead of the draft. Instead, she will now be part of the Valkyries’ inaugural roster, leaving Fever fans and analysts alike stunned.
Fagbenle’s selection came as a surprise, given her critical role as a veteran leader on the Fever roster. The 32-year-old forward had shown great promise when healthy, despite a challenging season plagued by injuries. Playing just 22 games due to foot, shoulder, and wrist issues, Fagbenle’s limited time on the court led many to question why she was not protected.
ESPN analyst and WNBA Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo expressed her disbelief during the broadcast, noting that while Fagbenle would be a great fit for Golden State, it was shocking to see Indiana not protect her. “Not because she won’t be a great fit out in Golden State, but I am just really surprised that the Indiana Fever did not choose to protect her,” Lobo said.
Fagbenle’s Impact on the Fever
Fagbenle had been a strong presence for the Fever when healthy, known for her versatility, high energy, and leadership qualities. She played a key role in mentoring rookie Caitlin Clark and formed a dynamic on-court connection with the star guard. Despite missing time, Fagbenle’s energy and fast-paced style of play were evident, and her veteran experience from her 2017 championship run with the Minnesota Lynx made her an invaluable voice in the Fever locker room.
Andraya Carter, also on the ESPN broadcast, praised Fagbenle for her motor and positive influence on the team, noting, “When you talk about Temi Fagbenle, she was so much energy… We probably would’ve seen more growth from her if she wasn’t injured.”
Several factors likely played into the Fever’s decision not to protect Fagbenle. A significant consideration was likely financial, as the 32-year-old was set to become a restricted free agent. With Fagbenle’s $76,535 salary in 2024, the Fever may have deemed her asking price or potential offers from other teams as too high to justify the expense, especially considering her injury history. Additionally, with Fagbenle becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026, the Fever could have anticipated a future departure.
Her age and injury concerns may have also influenced the decision. After suffering multiple injuries in 2024, including a foot, shoulder, and wrist issue, the Fever might have viewed the risk of more injuries as a liability, especially considering Fagbenle’s age.
What’s Next for the Fever and Fagbenle?
With Fagbenle off the roster, the Indiana Fever are left with a void at the forward position, where she had played behind NaLyssa Smith. Smith had openly expressed frustration about her playing time under the previous coaching staff, though it’s unclear whether this dissatisfaction was related to Fagbenle’s role or other factors. Regardless, the Fever will now be in the market for a new player to fill the 4 position, whether as a starter or a backup.
For Fagbenle, joining the Golden State Valkyries marks the next step in her career, where she will bring her leadership and experience to a new team. Golden State’s expansion roster also includes players like Iliana Rupert (Atlanta Dream) and María Conde (Chicago Sky), adding significant depth to their new franchise. While the Fever rebuild without her, the Valkyries look to build a competitive roster for their inaugural season.
As the WNBA continues to evolve, Fagbenle’s move to Golden State reminds us how unpredictable the league can be, with both veteran players and rookies vying for new opportunities and the spotlight.
