The WNBA expansion draft handed multiple experienced players to the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. While both sides chose different strategies in the expansion draft, the Toronto Tempo chose experienced players while the Portlanders went for the untapped talent in the league. Yet their pick, Chloe Bibby, was one of the most famous players from the WNBA following her performances with the Indian Fever team.
Although the player was a mid-season acquisition by the Fever franchise and played in limited games due to injury, she impressed in the games with her output, and hence, fans couldn’t control their anger over losing the ‘perfect piece.’
Fans React Negatively To Loss Of Chloe Bibby
With two teams selecting in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft, every franchise had a choice to protect five players. Although there is no clear notification of any team’s protected player names, the Fever side is believed to have saved Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Mikayla Timpson ahead of the expansion draft.
This decision allowed the Portland side to choose a talented Australian in the expansion draft. Stephanie white used her as a stretching forward with her range shooting, helping the side in many games. Amber Cox reacted to the loss of two players in the expansion draft with a social media post.
Wishing Chloe and Kristy the very best. Bibs will always be a part of the Fever family – hit some big shots in key moments for us last season! And what a fantastic human! Never got to work directly w/ Kristy but enjoyed our few interactions and thrilled to see her back in the W!
— Amber Cox (@AmberLCox) April 3, 2026
While the GM praised her former players, fans were not happy with the ‘loss’ and criticized the front office’s decision to leave Bibby unprotected.
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A fan wrote, “Should’ve protected Chloe.“
Should’ve protected Chloe.
— Ion Fk Around (@ion_fk_around) April 4, 2026
One fan added, “Cox was a failure last season with pathetic hires.”
Cox was a failure last season with pathetic hires. Hope she learned from a terrible mistake and does not ruin this season!
— John Nigh (@JohnNigh1) April 4, 2026
Another fan wrote, “U r incompetent! U and Kelly. Hope this is ur last year with the Fever.”
U r incompetent! U and Kelly. Hope this is ur last year with the Fever
— TerryDa49269331 (@TED112268) April 4, 2026
A fan said, “That’s what happen when you protect a bench warmer TIMPSON over a reliable shooter like Chloe Bibby.”
That's what happen when you protect a bench warmer TIMPSON over a reliable shooter like Chloe Bibby.. you sucked it again instead of signing player around CC you always do the other way.. hope CC will go elsewhere next year!! She doesn't deserve you all
— Kenshin (@Kenshin18610961) April 4, 2026
Another fan commented, “I was hoping they wouldn’t take Bibby. Mate could shoot that rock.”
I was hoping they wouldn't take Bibby. Mate could shoot that rock.
— ……… (@Njcdarin) April 4, 2026
Bibby will find more game time at the new franchise, with the deep Fever side handing her limited opportunity to shine. As for the Fever team, the side would have to use free agency to bridge the gap.
Indiana Fever Options In Free Agency To Replace Chloe Bibby
Caitlin Clark recently called Kelsey Mitchell a priority signing for the Fever team, and now, with the loss of Bibby, the franchise will have to fill the spot with a similar or even better player. The 6-foot-2 forward was a consistent three-point threat to the opposition.
Michaela Onyenwere would be a prime target for the Fever team, who managed over 34% three point shooting in the recent season. Emma Cannon is another experienced star who shot 38% from the range for the Sparks in 2025.
While Aliyah Boston is working on her three-point shooting, Dantas could be a familiar face back in the Fever lineup.