WNBA to Punish Connecticut Sun Player Before Indiana Fever Game

Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers is facing a fine from the WNBA.

by Paolo Songco

Aug 27, 2026

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks at Connecticut Sun's Saniya Rivers during an argument.

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

The Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever are set to face off on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Fever are looking to make it two wins in a row after defeating the Chicago Sky on Sunday, 113-90.

The Sun, on the other hand, are coming off an 89-64 home loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday.

The Valkyries had four double-digit scorers in the victory. Kaila Charles had a near double-double with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Janelle Salaun scored 15 points off the bench.

Charlisse Leger-Walker led the way for the Sun with 17 points, three rebounds and four assists. Aaliyah Edwards had eight points and five rebounds, while Saniya Rivers chipped in seven points.

Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers (22) looks on during a WNBA game.

Eakin Howard-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

With 44 seconds left in the first quarter, Salaun hit a three-pointer to increase the lead to 14. However, Rivers slid down to Salaun’s landing spot, resulting in a foul. The 6-foot-2 forward left the court limping while the foul was being reviewed.

The call was later upgraded to a Flagrant Foul 1. Salaun made the ensuing free throw to complete the four-point play.

As for Rivers, the second-year guard is facing a punishment from the WNBA. She will be fined $500 for her Flagrant 1 foul under the increased penalties stemming from the new collective bargaining agreement.

There is a point system for flagrant fouls: a Flagrant 1 counts as one point for the player, while a Flagrant 2 counts as two points. Starting the 2026 WNBA season, each point comes with a $500 fine, raising it from last year’s $200.

Suspensions have also been updated. Players will receive an automatic one-game suspension once they accumulate four points. Additionally, any player who has a total of six points will face a two-game suspension.

Tuesday’s infraction was Rivers’ first flagrant foul of the season. She now has one point and will need to be extra careful on Friday against the Fever. Another flagrant will bring her closer to an automatic one-game suspension.

Rivers and the Sun have five games remaining after their matchup against the Fever. They are currently 10-28 on the season and have already been eliminated from playoff contention.