July 6, 2020
Indiana Fever delays travel to Florida for WNBA season
By Ben Rosof
Team will wait at least five days, as two players test positive for COVID-19
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While 11 of the 12 WNBA teams will arrive in Bradenton, Florida on Monday to begin training for the 2020 season, the Indiana Fever will wait at least five days before traveling after two of its players tested positive for COVID-19.
On Monday morning, the WNBA announced results for its leaguewide coronavirus testing that occurred between June 28-July 5, with seven players out of 137 testing positive. While the number of positive results for every team were not disclosed, Indiana released a statement specifying their number as two.
“After consultation with the WNBA and league health officials to ensure all players and staff are as healthy and safe as possible, the team is expected to arrive at IMG Academy later this week,” the team’s release read.
Per the league, any of the seven players that tested positive must remain in self-isolation until satisfying public health protocols and meeting physician requirements.
Led by Head Coach Marianne Stanley, Indiana recently finalized its 12-woman roster for the 2020 season by releasing Betnijah Laney and adding Stephanie Mavunga. The third-year center was previously listed on the “Non-Active / Non-WNBA Injury” list.
“Our team is excited about the opportunity to be back on the court, and the WNBA is providing a safe and secure environment for everyone at IMG,” Fever President Barber said in a separate release last week. “Our incredible fanbase will be proud of what they see when we take our games right into living rooms throughout the entire state.”
The Fever said they intended to announce official travel plans to Florida “at a later date when finalized.”
