Indiana Fever Set to Re-Sign Damiris Dantas Ahead of 2026 Free Agency
The Indiana Fever are moving quickly to solidify their roster for the 2026 WNBA season. Following a promising but bittersweet 2025 campaign, the organization plans to re-sign Brazilian forward Damiris Dantas. The official announcement is expected once free agency officially opens on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
- The Move: Indiana Fever intend to re-sign Damiris Dantas for the 2026 season.
- Timing: Announcement expected following the opening of free agency on April 11.
- Roster Status: Dantas joins Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Mikayla Timpson as players secured for the upcoming season.
- 2025 Context: The Fever finished 24-20 and reached the semifinals before falling to the Las Vegas Aces.
Building on a Playoff Run
Under the leadership of Stephanie White, the Indiana Fever experienced a rollercoaster 2025 season. The team finished the regular season with a 24-20 record, securing the No. 6 seed in the playoffs. Indiana proved their resilience by upsetting the No. 3 seed Atlanta Dream in the first round, eventually pushing the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces to five games in the semifinals.
Notably, the Fever achieved this postseason success while Caitlin Clark was sidelined with an injury, highlighting the team’s depth and the importance of reliable role players like Dantas.
The Role of Damiris Dantas
Dantas has develop into a dependable asset off the Fever bench. Since signing a two-year, $197,100 deal ahead of the 2024 season, the Brazilian forward has appeared in 58 games. While she has not started in those contests, her contributions have been consistent, averaging 4.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 11.2 minutes per game.
A veteran of the league, Dantas brings a wealth of experience to the locker room. Originally the No. 12 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx, she has spent time with the Lynx and the Atlanta Dream, as well as playing internationally for Botaş SK in the Turkish Super League. Her veteran presence was a factor in the Fever’s 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship.
Damiris Dantas: Career Snapshot
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| WNBA Draft | 2012, 1st Round, 12th Overall |
| Position | Power Forward / Center |
| Recent Stats (Fever) | 4.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.7 APG |
| Height/Weight | 6’4″ / 214 lb |
Current Roster Outlook
The re-signing of Dantas is a critical step in a busy offseason for Indiana. Prior to this move, the Fever had only three players under contract: Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Mikayla Timpson.
The front office is also working to retain other key contributors. The team has already extended qualifying offers to guards Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull. By securing Dantas, the Fever ensure they maintain a seasoned interior presence as they prepare to challenge the elite teams in the Eastern Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does WNBA free agency open?
Free agency officially opens on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
What was Damiris Dantas’s contract status?
Dantas’s previous contract expired following the 2025 season, which made her an unrestricted free agent before the Fever’s decision to re-sign her.
How did the Indiana Fever perform in the 2025 playoffs?
The Fever entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed, defeated the Atlanta Dream in the first round, and lost to the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
With the core of Clark and Boston remaining and the addition of experienced veterans like Dantas, the Indiana Fever are positioning themselves for a deeper run in the 2026 season.