From College Legend to Pro Temptation
Bluder, who retired in May 2024 after 24 seasons with Iowa, built a powerhouse program that included multiple Big Ten championships and back-to-back national championship game appearances. Her coaching career culminated in guiding Caitlin Clark—now the face of the Fever and the WNBA—to superstardom and NCAA history.
Despite announcing her retirement, Bluder remained a hot commodity in coaching circles. Behind the scenes, the Indiana Fever reportedly made an aggressive push to lure her to the professional ranks with a historic contract offer that would have made her the highest-paid coach in WNBA history.
A Record-Breaking Offer
According to multiple sources, the Fever’s offer would have exceeded even the million-dollar salaries given to current WNBA coaching elites like Becky Hammon and Nate Tibbetts. The goal was clear: reunite Caitlin Clark with the coach who knows her best and stabilize a franchise that has seen years of turbulence.
Former Iowa players, including Fever guard Lexie Hull, praised the idea of Bluder stepping into the role, citing her leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to manage stars while building culture and cohesion.
Why Indiana Wanted Bluder
The Fever have been in the spotlight since drafting Caitlin Clark No. 1 overall. Her arrival instantly elevated the franchise’s profile and brought heightened expectations. While head coach Christie Sides led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2016, inconsistency and questions about player development remained.
Fans and analysts began calling for a coaching change, and many pointed to Bluder as the ideal candidate to guide Clark’s transition to WNBA stardom and take Indiana to the next level.
Bluder’s Answer: Thanks, But No Thanks
Despite the massive offer, Bluder ultimately declined the position, choosing to remain in retirement. She has stated repeatedly that she’s enjoying time away from coaching, prioritizing family and a well-earned break after decades in the game.
Her decision, however, underscores a significant shift in the WNBA: franchises are now willing to spend big to land top coaching talent, mirroring trends in the NBA and major college programs.
What This Means for the WNBA
The willingness of a WNBA franchise to offer a record-setting contract to a retired college coach is symbolic of the league’s evolution. With surging popularity, increased media coverage, and major broadcasting deals, teams are under more pressure than ever to win—and willing to invest in coaching to make that happen.
Bluder’s story also reaffirms her impact on the game. Even in retirement, she remains one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball. Her ability to turn down the biggest contract in league history only adds to her legacy.
Moving Forward
While Lisa Bluder won’t be pacing a WNBA sideline anytime soon, her brief flirtation with the Fever speaks volumes. Indiana has since moved forward with experienced coach Stephanie White, signaling a continued focus on experience and leadership. But the pursuit of Bluder was a bold statement—one that reflects where the WNBA is headed: upward, and fast.
Bluder may have closed the door on coaching for now, but her influence continues to be felt—from the college hardwood to the professional spotlight. And for the Indiana Fever, her brief consideration was proof that to build something great, you have to be willing to dream big—and offer even bigger.
