WNBA SHOCKER: Did DeWanna Bonner Leave the Indiana Fever Because She Couldn’t Handle Caitlin Clark’s Spotlight? Christine Brennan’s Theory Sends Shockwaves Through the League

In one of the most unexpected and dramatic moments of the 2025 WNBA season, veteran star DeWanna Bonner was abruptly waived by the Indiana Fever after mysteriously disappearing from the team for several weeks. While the official story cited “personal reasons” for her extended absence, legendary sports journalist Christine Brennan has floated a theory that’s leaving fans stunned—and forcing the entire league to confront an uncomfortable reality.

According to Brennan, this wasn’t just about age, performance, or minutes on the court. It may have been about something far deeper, and far more psychological: Bonner couldn’t handle the intense media frenzy, fan attention, and off-court pressure that came with playing alongside the most electrifying name in women’s basketball—Caitlin Clark.

Let’s break this story down.

A Promising Start Gone Sideways

Bonner, 37, is no rookie. A six-time All-Star and former WNBA champion, she was brought into Indiana during the offseason on a one-year, $200,000 deal. The goal was clear: to provide veteran leadership for a young, up-and-coming Fever squad led by Caitlin Clark in her second professional season.

The move made sense on paper. Bonner, known for her scoring ability and locker room leadership, seemed like the perfect addition to stabilize a young roster learning to win under the harsh glare of national media attention.

But just nine games into the season, Bonner was gone.

No announcement. No farewell. No official explanation from the team—only vague references to “personal reasons.” After weeks of speculation, Indiana quietly waived Bonner and brought back Ari McDonald to fill her roster spot.

That alone was enough to raise eyebrows.

Christine Brennan’s Bombshell Theory

Then came the shockwave. Christine Brennan—arguably the most respected female sports journalist in America—went on ESPN and offered her insight into what really went down. According to Brennan, Bonner’s abrupt exit may have had more to do with the Caitlin Clark effect than anyone initially realized.

“I was at that Fever home opener against Chicago,” Brennan said, referencing a game on May 17 where Bonner became the third all-time leading scorer in WNBA history. “Bonner said something in her postgame interview that really stuck with me. She said she was shocked by the crowd—she’d never experienced anything like it before.”

For context, that home opener was electric. Over 17,000 fans packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse, roaring with excitement. The Fever steamrolled the Sky by over 30 points, and Clark delivered a performance that had the building shaking. It was the kind of atmosphere that resembled a college Final Four more than a regular-season WNBA game.

For a player like Bonner—who’s played in Finals, earned All-Star honors, and been on the big stage many times—to admit she was “shocked” by the crowd was telling.

Couldn’t Handle the Spotlight?

According to Brennan, sources close to the situation suggested that Bonner simply wasn’t comfortable with the massive spotlight that followed Clark and the Fever.

“She didn’t want to deal with that level of attention,” Brennan said. “The fans, the media, the constant buzz—it wasn’t for her. It wore her down.”

To be clear, Brennan didn’t frame this as criticism. She acknowledged that not every player is built to thrive in an environment where every game is a spectacle, every word is analyzed, and every move is watched by millions. But it’s still surprising—maybe even a little ironic—that a seasoned veteran like Bonner might have walked away from the team not because of basketball issues, but because of the pressure of being part of the Caitlin Clark circus.

Performance Issues or Deeper Tensions?

There were also basketball reasons circulating in the media. Bonner was said to be unhappy with her role on the team. Some reports suggested she was frustrated about not starting, or being passed over in the rotation in favor of younger players like Lexie Hull and NaLyssa Smith. Others noted that Bonner, known for her slower pace, might not have fit well with Indiana’s up-tempo system designed around Clark.

But Brennan’s theory adds another layer. If Bonner truly felt overwhelmed or disillusioned by the level of attention the Fever were getting, then her on-court struggles may have been more about mental burnout than physical limitations.

Her production certainly declined. Bonner averaged just 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game this season—numbers far below her career averages. After her record-breaking performance on May 17, she was benched, and didn’t play again after June 10.

Then she vanished.

Missed Opportunity—or Smart Exit?

One of the most fascinating angles in all of this is the financial and branding opportunity Bonner may have walked away from.

As Brennan pointed out, playing next to Caitlin Clark is a gold mine. Clark’s schedule is so packed with national TV appearances, commercials, and endorsement obligations that she physically can’t attend every media event or sponsor gig. That leaves opportunities wide open for her teammates.

From autographs to interviews to endorsement deals, players on the Indiana Fever have been getting more attention—and income—than ever before. By being part of the most talked-about team in the league, Bonner could have ended her career on a high note both financially and reputationally.

Instead, she disappeared.

Bonner Speaks—But Offers Few Answers

After the news of her release, Bonner posted a cryptic message on Instagram:

“A quitter? Nah. Never been that. But when the time comes, let’s just make sure the apologies are just as loud as the disrespect.”

Clearly, Bonner is frustrated with the way this situation has been framed. But her comments did little to clarify why she truly left.

And when weighed against Brennan’s theory, her message reads less like a refutation and more like a defensive deflection. The timing, the silence, and the performance drop all support the idea that something bigger than basketball was at play here.

The Caitlin Clark Effect is Changing the League

The real story here might not be Bonner at all—but what her exit says about the new reality of the WNBA.

Caitlin Clark has transformed the league overnight. Sellouts, record ratings, media frenzy—it’s unlike anything the WNBA has seen. And not every player is thrilled about it.

We’ve seen tension bubble up across the league. Veterans openly critical. Teammates hesitant to fully embrace the Clark brand. Jealousy, resentment, discomfort—it’s all part of this growing divide between players who can handle the spotlight, and those who can’t.

And Bonner? She may have just become the first high-profile casualty of the Caitlin Clark phenomenon.

What’s Next for Bonner?

Reports suggest Bonner is eyeing a return to the Phoenix Mercury or possibly the Atlanta Dream—teams where she could regain a leading role and play without the constant national spotlight. Whether she’ll be picked up remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Indiana moves on without her. The Fever are right in the playoff race, and while the loss of Bonner hurts in terms of experience, it may ultimately be addition by subtraction if she wasn’t fully bought into the culture being built around Clark.

Final Thoughts

Christine Brennan’s theory may never be officially confirmed. But when you piece together the timeline, the quotes, the disappearing act, and the context of what the Indiana Fever have become, it’s hard to deny how plausible it sounds.

Caitlin Clark has changed everything. The crowds are bigger. The pressure is heavier. The stakes are higher.

And now we know—not every veteran is ready for that.

DeWanna Bonner’s story is a cautionary tale for future free agents: If you want to join the Caitlin Clark show, you better be ready for the spotlight.

Because the cameras are rolling, the fans are watching, and there’s no place to hide.