Unfortunate Stephanie White News Emerges Before Valkyries Clash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 2:37 PM ET

The Indiana Fever are in San Francisco for Thursday night’s game against the Golden State Valkyries. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams, with Golden State in its inaugural season.

However, just hours before tip-off, news broke that Stephanie White would not be in attendance.

Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files reported, "Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White will miss tonight's game at Golden State due to personal reasons. Lead assistant Austin Kelly will serve as acting head coach for the second time this season."

White also missed the team’s June 7 game against the Chicago Sky due to personal reasons, as well as a practice around that time. With assistant coach Austin Kelly leading the way, the Fever won that one 79-52 as Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham sat out with injuries.

It’s unclear when White will return to the team or if her absence will continue. It’s worth noting that her partner, ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters, also missed Games 2-4 of the NBA Finals due to what the network described as a "personal matter."

As it stands, Salters is still scheduled to be in Indianapolis for Thursday night's Game 6 between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

White and Salters have been in a relationship since at least 2016 and raise a blended family together. White has three children from a previous marriage, and Salters has one adopted son.

While White stays in Indiana during the WNBA season, the family lives together in their Nashville, Tennessee, home during the offseason.

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

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