Fever GM defends fans, says criticism has ‘no basis in reality’

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever’s season might be over, but the conversation around the team’s fans and their behavior during games continues after a heated exchange between Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson and a courtside fan during Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs Tuesday.

Fever general manager Amber Cox read a written statement to close her end-of-season interviews Saturday, saying in part:

“The attacks on our fanbase have no basis in reality, and they need to stop, especially with members of the media… who have never been to a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.”

Cox goes on to say that the Fever welcome fans from 57 countries and all 50 states to Indiana to attend games but not one fan has ever been removed from the arena for violating the WNBA Code of Conduct.

“Our fans love this team. They’re going to cheer, they’re going to boo, and sometimes they might point. It’s a home court advantage for a reason,” Cox said. “Fever games have always been about inclusivity. Sports are the ultimate unifier, and we want everyone to be a fan of the Fever and a fan of this league.”

When asked why she felt it necessary to end her media availability with the prepared statement, Cox said she wanted to thank the fans.

“I think during the playoff series, there were some narratives around our fanbase that just frankly are not true, and I thought it was important to say that no one has ever violated that fan code of conduct. We take it very seriously. We understand that there is a line. People are held accountable if they cross it, and they should be. But we have a great fanbase,” Cox said.

The Fever’s season ended with a 94-83 loss to the Aces in a series-deciding Game 3 on Thursday night. Questions remain about whether head coach Stephanie White will remain in her job next season, or if the Fever will re-sign guards Kelsey Mitchell or Sophie Cunningham, but of whom are now free agents.

Cox said that she wants to keep the Fever’s “Big Three” — meaning All-Stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Mitchell — together and have Mitchell retire with Indiana. She also said that she’ll be in discussions with Cunningham’s team to see if a return is possible.

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