Bree Hall has watched on as Stephanie White and the Indiana Fever will look to secure their spot in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs on Thursday night, hitting the road to face Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings. The Fever are coming off of a 101-95 win over Marina Mabrey and the Toronto Tempo on Tuesday, moving them to 24-12 on the season.
Entering Thursday, three teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention. This includes the Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun and the Tempo, who were eliminated after their loss to the Washington Mystics on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Sparks could be next in line to get eliminated. Sitting at 12-23, just ahead of Toronto in the league standings, the Sparks will need a miracle in order to make the postseason. But while they still attempt to contend, one of their key players announced her retirement.
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On Wednesday, Los Angeles forward Nneka Ogwumike sat down with Taylor Rooks on the podcast “Boardroom,” addressing her future in the WNBA. And Ogwumike revealed that following the 2026 season, her 15th, she will be retiring from the WNBA.
“I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I’ve been able to play and compete at such a high level,” Ogwumike said. “I am proud to say that I am retiring from the WNBA… It feels good, because I’m doing it on my own terms, in the way I’ve always kind of envisioned.”
Hall took notice of the Sparks star’s retirement announcement, sending a message to Ogwumike on Instagram.
“🥹 so happy for you,” Hall commented. “You’ve done so much good for this league, can’t wait to see what you do next.”
Hall is in her second season with Indiana, spending a portion of her rookie year with the Golden State Valkyries. In just two appearances for the Fever in 2026, the former South Carolina Gamecocks guard is averaging 2.5 points and 0.5 rebounds in 5.5 minutes per game.
After the Wings matchup, the Fever will be back in action on Saturday, battling Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty in Brooklyn.
