The Indiana Fever are dark horse title contenders for the 2026 WNBA season, with teams like the Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, and Golden State Valkyries the favorites to win it all.
Caitlin Clark and Fever fans believe the team is good enough to trade blows with those in the uppermost echelon in the WNBA, leading head coach Stephanie White to take the brunt of the criticism.
Barstool’s Dave Portnoy is one such critic of White, as he not only wants her to be fired but has also reported that she will eventually be relieved of her duties. This supposed news has caused a bit of excitement from the Fever fandom.
Dave Portnoy Has Sources Claiming Stephanie White Is Close To Being Fired
Cathy Engelbert, amid a turbulent WNBA season marred by several issues, will retire from her position as Commissioner at the end of this year after seven seasons.
Portnoy criticized the terminology used in the announcement of her departure, claiming that she was fired from her role. “As far as Engelbert’s decision to retire, that’s a lie, right? She was fired and they gave her the dignity of saying she was going to retire. There was no retiring here, she was fired,” Portnoy said on “Wake Up Barstool” on Monday.
While sticking to this line of thought, he went on to say, “Actually, the Indiana Fever coach will probably be fired at the end of the season as well. I got some birdies in my ears there.”
It’s unclear who Portnoy’s sources are, but the mere mention that White might be let go led Clark and Fever fans to rejoice online.
“Dave speculates that Stephanie White could be fired at the end of the Season. Wow, this would be amazing news if true,” wrote one fan on X.
Dave speculates that Stephanie White could be fired at the end of the Season. Wow, this would be amazing news If true. https://t.co/p0WhLOWw9B
— Maxx (@MaxxZimonick) September 7, 2026
Someone else echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “That would be great news.”
Another said, “Told y’all. 3 All-WNBA players and the team is in fifth place. Anything less than a championship appearance means Stephanie White is probably getting replaced,” which was followed by several crying, laughing emojis.
Told Y’all. 3 All-WNBA players and the team is in 5th place . Anything less than a championship appearance means Stephanie White is probably getting replaced 😭😭😭! https://t.co/OEP8BNL7MI
— X coach anderson X (@coachandere6xa) September 7, 2026
One user simply posted a GIF of Andy from “The Office” crossing his fingers, implying they’re hoping Portnoy’s claim is true.
— Corbomite Maneuver (@doctorcorbomite) September 7, 2026
A staunch Fever fan said, “As long as her replacement isn’t more of the same old, same old. Let the horses run!”
“The Fever won’t be able to win it all with her, so yes she will hopefully be gone,” said another user.
One user cast doubt over Portnoy’s supposedly sources, saying, “Portnoy gets community-noted almost every time he posts on here. White will be here or gone depending on what Caitlin Clark says she wants when they try & get her to sign that EPIC extension.”
Portnoy gets community-noted almost every time he posts on here. White will be here or gone depending on what Caitlin Clark says she wants when they try & get her to sign that EPIC extension.
— CDS Sports Podcast (@cdssportspod) September 7, 2026
Clark has historically defended White regardless of how often detractors spewed vitriol toward her.
During the Fever’s win over the New York Liberty, fans in Indiana began booing White. CC didn’t stand for this, and after the game said, “That’s my head coach. I hated that our fans booed her before the game, that made me a little sick to be honest…. we’re gonna ride for her and we’re always gonna have her back. So, I just love her and I feel for her because I know it can be a lot at times.”
Caitlin and Sophie postgame interview with media discussing their support for Coach White an each other.
Proud of this Indiana Fever team and that they stand behind and beside each other
Clip from The Ballers Magazine on YT pic.twitter.com/3qwFSa4JwD
— ericaf455💙 (@ericaf455) August 12, 2026
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White is only in her second season coaching Clark and joined the Fever a couple of years after winning Coach of the Year with the Connecticut Sun. It’s clear that she has the makings of a solid coach.
Though with Indiana featuring multiple MVP-level talents such as Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, it’s only a matter of time before expectations from the fanbase rise beyond just a deep playoff run.
