After ending the 2024 WNBA season with a balanced 20-20 record and an early playoff exit, the Indiana Fever replaced head coach Christie Sides with Stephanie White, who came over from the Connecticut Sun.
White had a successful two-year stint with the Sun, leading them to the WNBA Playoffs semifinals both seasons and earning the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year honor. She chose to return to Indiana, partly to be closer to her family. In response, Connecticut hired Rachid Meziane as her replacement. Under Meziane, the Sun went 1-1 during preseason. Notably, they are one of the few teams carrying 13 players on the final roster.
This unusual roster size is due to rookie Leila Lacan’s contract being temporarily suspended because of her international commitments, as reported by WNBA insider Khristina Williams. Lacan is currently playing for Basket Landes in France’s La Boulangère Wonderligue.
Since her contract is inactive, it doesn’t count against the salary cap, allowing the Sun an extra roster spot until her return. “The Connecticut Sun have finalized their opening day roster for the 2025 WNBA season,” Williams posted on X, noting Lacan’s temporary suspension.
Lacan, a 5-foot-11 guard from Rodez, France, was the Sun’s No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft White’s final draft for the team. Although she stayed overseas last season, she is expected to join the WNBA this year. Basket Landes will compete in Game 3 of the Wonderligue Finals on Friday, aiming for their first title since 2021.
The Fever open their 2025 campaign Saturday at 3:00 p.m. ET against the Chicago Sky, while the Sun face the Washington Mystics on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.
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