June 18, 2020
Indiana Fever release Laney, Mavunga rejoins active roster
Two concurrent moves bring Fever roster to 12 with training camp on the horizon
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Connecticut Sun forward Brionna Jones (42) shoots over Indiana Fever forward Stephanie Mavunga (23) during the WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA on May 28, 2019. Photo Credit: Chris Poss
Betnijah Laney has been released after one season with the Indiana Fever, the team announced Wednesday.
The guard, who signed a multi-year deal with the team in February, started 27 of 34 games for the Fever in 2019 and played 25.8 minutes per game. It was by far Laney’s best of four WNBA seasons by those metrics, as she started 2 of 32 games as a rookie for the Chicago Sky in 2015.
Laney set a variety of career-bests in 2019, including in points (12), rebounds (11) and assists (7). She had also steadily improved her 3-point shooting during her career, finishing with a 30.3% mark last season.
“Betnijah was a key member to our Fever team last season and we certainly appreciate the work she did on and off the court,” said Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Tamika Catchings. “We will miss having her as part of our organization.”
Laney’s departure comes at the same time as Stephanie Mavunga was reinstated to the Fever’s active roster. Mavunga was suspended due to a non-WNBA injury as of May 26, when the 13-player roster was released.
“We welcome Stephanie back to the court and look forward to a great training camp leading into the 2020 regular season,” Catchings said.
After being postponed for over two months, an abbreviated 2020 WNBA season is scheduled to tip-off in late July at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, with training camp taking place during the first part of the month.
