Major Update on Stephanie White’s Partner Lisa Salters Amid Sky Game Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 1:13 PM ET

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White was not on the bench for Saturday’s 79-52 win over the Chicago Sky.

She missed practice on Friday due to "personal reasons," leaving her status for the game uncertain. As tip-off approached, a team spokesperson confirmed to IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson that White would not be in attendance.

Aside from "personal reasons," no details were provided. Regardless, the team stepped up with Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham out due to injury, giving first assistant coach Austin Kelly his first win as a WNBA head coach.

It’s unclear when White will return, but on Sunday, a major update was shared that could provide more clarity on why she hasn’t been with the team over the past several days.

Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals is Sunday night, and White’s partner, Lisa Salters, was replaced on ESPN’s sideline reporting team by Jorge Sedano.

In a statement to Front Office Sports, ESPN said Salters is dealing with a personal issue.

“Lisa is attending to a personal matter. We send her our best," ESPN wrote.

White and Salters have been in a romantic relationship since at least 2016. While they aren’t married, they’ve raised a blended family consisting of White’s three children from her previous marriage and Salters’ adopted son.

In the offseason, White returns to their home in Nashville, Tennessee, where Salters lives full time.

The first game White can return to the Fever is on Tuesday, when they face the Dream in Atlanta. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST.

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

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