Sheryl Swoopes has found herself on the wrong side of one of the biggest storylines in recent WNBA history. Not long ago, the Hall of Famer confidently predicted that Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever would struggle to attract free agents.

She cast doubt on the team’s environment, the rookie’s appeal, and even Clark’s ability to make an immediate impact in the league. But now, as the dust settles from one of the most impressive free agency runs we’ve ever seen, it’s clear that the Indiana Fever are not only a team players want to join, they’re quickly becoming the most exciting destination in the WNBA.

It wasn’t just a good free agency for Indiana. It was a statement. Natasha Howard, a champion and defensive anchor. DeWanna Bonner, a six-time All-Star and offensive powerhouse.

Sophie Cunningham, a gritty competitor with playoff experience. And Sydney Colson, a high-energy locker room presence and Asia Wilson’s best friend. These aren’t end-of-bench role players.

These are experienced, proven contributors choosing to play alongside Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston in Indiana. For a team that was once dismissed as irrelevant, this is a complete transformation.

The irony is hard to ignore. The very players Swoopes and others claimed wouldn’t want to go to Indiana are now signing with the team without hesitation. Colson even cited positive word-of-mouth from Clark’s Iowa teammate Kate Martin as part of her decision-making. These are the kinds of connections that matter in sports, and Clark is building them already. Far from being a rookie struggling to find her place, she’s becoming a gravitational force in the league. Players aren’t just willing to play with her, they’re eager to do so.

The narrative around Caitlin Clark has always been polarizing. Some veterans have embraced her presence as a shot in the arm for the league, while others—like Swoopes—have met her rise with skepticism or outright hostility. Swoopes didn’t just doubt Clark’s ability to elevate her team. She went as far as to suggest that the Fever’s locker room environment would scare away talent. That take has aged poorly, to say the least.

The new Indiana Fever roster is not just better on paper. It’s deeper, smarter, and built to win now. And it’s all happening around Clark, a player who came into the league with enormous hype and somehow has managed to live up to every expectation. She’s not waiting her turn. She’s dictating the tempo of the league both on and off the court. Clark doesn’t just move the needle—she is the needle.

The frustration from Swoopes and others isn’t really about basketball. It’s about the changing landscape of the WNBA. For years, the league struggled to capture mainstream attention. Now, with Clark in the fold, everything has changed. Viewership is up. Arena attendance is up. Merchandise sales are through the roof. The media attention is nonstop. And it’s all largely centered on one player. That kind of spotlight was unheard of before. And for some, it’s hard to accept.

But the results are undeniable. Clark’s presence has transformed the Indiana Fever from a bottom-tier team into a legitimate championship contender. Free agents are no longer avoiding Indiana. They’re seeking it out. And while Swoopes was busy pushing outdated narratives, Fever head coach Stephanie White and the front office were building a powerhouse. Their $80 million facility upgrade, their aggressive free agency moves, and their commitment to building around Clark and Boston prove they see the window wide open—and they’re going for it.

The most telling sign of Clark’s influence is the quality of players choosing to join her. Howard brings a championship pedigree. Bonner adds a veteran scoring punch. Cunningham brings intensity. Colson brings energy. All of them bring legitimacy. These aren’t developmental pieces. These are title pieces. And they’re coming to Indiana.

Even more amusing is the silence from Swoopes in the wake of this transformation. Once vocal in her doubts, she’s now noticeably absent from the conversation. She’s even been pulled from broadcasts where Clark was involved, unable or unwilling to give the rookie her due. And when she does speak, she’s still clinging to the narrative that Clark isn’t dominating yet. That’s a stretch that requires Olympic-level gymnastics to justify.

Let’s be clear. Leading the league in assists, averaging nearly 20 points per game, and shattering viewership records is dominance. Clark is still early in her pro career, and yet she’s already being treated like a superstar by teammates, fans, and sponsors alike. That’s not hype. That’s real, tangible impact.

The Fever are building something special, and it’s not just about collecting talent. It’s about culture. Clark, Boston, Mitchell, and now this influx of veterans are creating a new identity for the team—one that’s confident, competitive, and ready to win. And the rest of the league is on notice.

Swoopes may have underestimated just how much the league was ready for someone like Clark. A transcendent scorer with deep range, elite court vision, and undeniable charisma, she brings an energy the WNBA has long needed. She’s not here to fit in with the old guard. She’s here to create the new standard.

It’s also worth noting how quickly the Fever’s new additions have embraced the mission. Bonner immediately went on social media to defend her new team and call out the haters. Cunningham spoke about being refreshed and excited to bring the fight. Howard praised Clark’s vision and passing, already eager to run the floor with her. These are not reluctant free agents. These are believers.

And what about the teams that didn’t land these names? The Las Vegas Aces, previously seen as an unstoppable force, are starting to show cracks. The Chicago Sky lost their leading scorer. The Connecticut Sun are a mess. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever are quietly becoming the model franchise. They have young stars, veteran leadership, a hungry fanbase, and a front office that understands how to win.

The Caitlin Clark era is here. The old guard can either get on board or get left behind. Because as each day passes, it becomes more obvious that Clark isn’t just good for the league—she’s essential. And Indiana? They’re not waiting around. They’re building a contender, and they’re doing it fast.

Sheryl Swoopes can keep waiting for Indiana to fall apart. But by the time she realizes how wrong she was, the Fever might already be holding up the championship trophy.