Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Bonner’s Departure Divides WNBA Stars Over Fever Fans’ Booing

High-profile players are split over whether Fever fans’ boos of DeWanna Bonner’s return reflect rightful disappointment or an undue show of disrespect

Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings looks on during warm-ups before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on July 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • DeWanna Bonner departed the Fever nine games into the season citing personal reasons, was released on June 29 and signed with the Phoenix Mercury on July 7, prompting boos from Fever fans during her July 30 return
  • On her podcast, Sophie Cunningham praised Bonner’s career but said the veteran lacked professionalism by not sending a parting text and warned she should have expected boos
  • Candace Parker likened the jeers to reactions NBA stars faced on homecoming visits and argued that boos signify respect and ownership in women’s basketball
  • Mercury forward Kahleah Copper called the crowd’s behavior “very distasteful,” saying Fever fans disrespected a league legend who offered no provocation during the game
  • Fever forward Aliyah Boston defended Bonner online, noted that visiting teams often draw boos in the WNBA and expressed frustration over criticism she received for speaking out