Stephanie White Reveals The TRUTH About DeWanna Bonner Leaving Indiana Fever!

WNBA fans old and new know that every roster move can change the trajectory of a franchise. But few departures have left as lingering a question mark as DeWanna Bonner’s exit from the Indiana Fever. After years of speculation and whispers, former Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White is finally breaking her silence—and her side of the story is both eye-opening and refreshingly honest.

The Shocking Exit

In 2019, after two solid seasons in Indiana, DeWanna Bonner—one of the WNBA’s most dynamic forwards—announced she was leaving the Fever. The move caught many off guard. Bonner was a proven veteran, a double-double machine, and, by all accounts, a locker room favorite. As rumors swirled about contract issues, locker room drama, and front-office miscommunications, the truth stayed locked behind closed doors.

Until now.

Stephanie White Sets the Record Straight

In a candid podcast interview this week, Stephanie White, now head coach at Connecticut, offered up her perspective on why Bonner left the Fever, emphasizing that it wasn’t about money or drama—but about opportunity, family, and professional growth.

“I’ve read so much speculation, but the real story is simple,” White said. “DeWanna wasn’t just making a business move. She was prioritizing her happiness and her life off the court, too.”

White revealed that Bonner had received offers from multiple teams, and was weighing not only basketball fit and contract value, but also her personal life and future goals.

A Fresh Start and Family Matters

One of the biggest reasons behind Bonner’s move? Family. As White explained, DeWanna was seeking a new chapter after years in Phoenix and then Indiana—she was looking for a supportive, winning environment that felt like home and enabled her to thrive, both as an athlete and as a person.

“Sometimes, a fresh start is more important than another deal or another stat line,” White said. “She wanted to play where she could really see herself building something—and where she could be closer to people important to her. That’s not shade at Indiana at all. It’s just life.”

Professional Growth and a Championship Dream

Another factor? Bonner’s hunger for a championship. White acknowledged that, at the time, Indiana was in a rebuilding phase, and for a veteran of Bonner’s caliber, the window for chasing rings narrows quickly.

“She’s a competitor—she wanted to win. Connecticut had the pieces in place, the culture, the drive. As a coach, you want what’s best for your players even if it means letting them walk away.”

No Hard Feelings—Just Respect

Stephanie White was emphatic that there were no hard feelings, and that the Fever organization remained grateful for Bonner’s contributions. “Sometimes fans don’t see the human side. DeWanna left on good terms. We were sad to lose her, but happy she went for something she truly wanted.”

What Does This Mean for Both Sides?

For Bonner, the move to Connecticut paid off—she’s still playing at a high level, in the championship conversation, and her personal happiness is visible on and off the court. For Indiana, White believes the franchise has grown, built around young stars, and is now ready to forge a fresh identity.

The Truth at Last

Stephanie White’s honesty brings the clarity Fever fans have craved. DeWanna Bonner’s departure wasn’t a scandal—it was a sign of a star putting herself and her future first, and a franchise that respected her enough to let her go.

As White summed up:

“Sometimes you make the tough call, not for business, but for what’s best for everyone. I have nothing but love and respect for DeWanna. Indiana fans should too.”

And with that, one of the WNBA’s most discussed “what really happened?” moments is finally put to rest—with honesty, and with heart.