Here’s a bold statement: the WNBA offseason is far from a quiet period, and for four Indiana Fever players, it’s about to get even more exciting—and potentially career-defining. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some see offseason leagues as a mere stopgap, others argue they’re a golden opportunity to shine. So, what’s the real story? Let’s dive in.
The Indiana Fever’s 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable. Despite battling significant injuries—most notably to superstar Caitlin Clark—the team defied the odds, reaching the WNBA semifinals and pushing the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces, to a grueling five-game series. Now, with the WNBA season on pause, four Fever players—Sydney Colson, Odyssey Sims, Brianna Turner, and Bree Hall—are taking their talents to the Athletes Unlimited (AU) Pro Basketball league in Nashville. And this is the part most people miss: this move isn’t just about staying active; it’s a strategic play to boost their free agency value.
AU Pro Basketball, running from February 4 to March 1, offers a unique 5-on-5 format that reshuffles teams weekly. Unlike traditional leagues, there’s no team championship—instead, the player with the most accumulated points takes the crown. Last season, Dallas Wings’ Maddy Siegrist claimed the title with 7,052 points, while Sims finished a close second with 6,595. For Colson, Sims, Turner, and Hall, this is a chance to showcase their skills in a high-stakes environment, just as WNBA free agency opens on February 1.
Here’s the kicker: all four players are unrestricted free agents, meaning their futures with the Fever are far from certain. Will their performance in Nashville secure them lucrative WNBA contracts? Or could this be the start of a new chapter elsewhere? It’s a question that sparks debate among fans and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, other Fever stars like Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexie Hull are heading to Miami for the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league in January. While Unrivaled offers a different format, AU Pro Basketball’s 5-on-5 structure provides a closer simulation of WNBA gameplay, potentially giving these players an edge in their offseason training.
The AU Pro Basketball schedule, officially announced on social media, kicks off on February 4 at 6:30 p.m. ET at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. With 24 games across four weeks, the league promises intense competition and ample opportunities for players to stand out. For Colson, Sims, Turner, and Hall, this isn’t just another tournament—it’s a platform to prove they’re worth the next big contract.
Thought-provoking question: Are offseason leagues like AU Pro Basketball a necessity for free agents, or do they risk overexposure? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
