Fever Facing Backlash After Unexpected Raven Johnson Move

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Fever Facing Backlash After Unexpected Raven Johnson Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 9:41 PM ET

More than a few Indiana Fever supporters were not pleased with the team’s decision to use its 10th overall pick in the WNBA Draft on Raven Johnson. In their minds, there were more viable options available than the former South Carolina Gamecocks star.

The Fever, however, are ignoring the noise. Both general manager Amber Cox and head coach Stephanie White expressed their delight after securing the services of the two-time NCAA champion guard.

Cox said that they did not think Johnson would be available at 10th. White, on the other hand, was clearly over the moon with the selection as she spoke to her new guard on the phone right after she was drafted.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert with Raven Johnson who was selected 10th overall by Indiana Fever in the 2026 draftBrad Penner-Imagn Images

The Fever are also wasting no time welcoming their new player to Indiana. On Thursday, Johnson took to social media to share a photo from what appears to be her new place in downtown Indianapolis. The picture featured a special welcome package, which came with a card from the Fever.

The gift package included a plant, a couple of cases of La Croix sparkling water and a Fever tote bag. However, what caught fans' attention on social media was the pack of toilet paper, which was also part of the care package.

This unexpected move presented another opportunity for disgruntled Fever fans to complain on social media.

The 10th pick in the WNBA draft Raven Johnson made it to Indiana. Training camp starts this Sunday! pic.twitter.com/z3l7t1vLSq
— Dani (@danisnow27) April 17, 2026

“Hey @IndianaFever DID WE REALLY GIVE OUT THIS RANDOM STUFF TO OUR PLAYERS??? IS THAT WALMART TOILET PAPER???” a comment on X read.

“They are cheap asf. So embarrassing,” said another.

“That's Costco toilet paper and another thing i noticed is I'm pretty sure that Indiana Fever bag says 25 on it. They couldn't even get an updated 26 version lol,” a user wrote.

“They’re leftovers from all star weekend,” a reaction read.

“They need marketing help. Real help,” declared another.

“We move poor that is not the move,” a supporter said.

Johnson joins the Fever as the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year. In her senior year with the Gamecocks, the 5-foot-8 guard averaged 9.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 triples in 28.7 minutes per contest.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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