Ali Patberg Selected in Third Round by Indiana Fever: A Monumental $150 Million Deal Seals Her Professional Debut
In a shocking yet exhilarating twist in the world of professional basketball, former Indiana Hoosiers star guard Ali Patberg has been selected in the third round of the WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever — and signed to a record-shattering $150 million contract deal, making her one of the highest-paid athletes in the history of women’s basketball.
Patberg, a household name among Hoosiers fans, had already solidified her legacy at Indiana University with her relentless drive, court vision, and leadership. Over her collegiate career, she amassed over 1,800 points, 500 assists, and countless memories that turned her into a beloved figure not just in Bloomington, but across the state. Her selection by the Fever was poetic justice — a hometown hero staying home to electrify the hardwood of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
What stunned both fans and analysts alike, however, was the size of the contract: $150 million over five years. While no current WNBA contract has even approached such numbers, sources within the Fever organization confirm the deal was structured through a historic new partnership between the team, local investors, and corporate sponsors. It’s a calculated risk, aimed at catapulting both the franchise and the league into a new era of visibility and economic firepower.
“We’re not just betting on a player,” said Indiana Fever General Manager Cynthia McWilliams during a press conference Friday evening. “We’re investing in a movement. Ali Patberg represents everything Indiana basketball stands for — grit, grace, excellence — and we’re giving her the platform she deserves.”
The Fever are banking on Patberg’s name recognition, regional loyalty, and raw talent to reinvigorate their brand. With jersey sales already spiking within hours of the announcement, early signs point to a successful rollout. Her signing is expected to bring an unprecedented fan base from IU’s massive alumni network into the WNBA arena.
On the court, Patberg brings a dynamic skill set. Known for her explosive first step, clutch three-pointers, and fearless drives through traffic, she’s expected to play both point and shooting guard for the Fever. Coaches believe her high basketball IQ and leadership will make her an immediate starter and a potential All-Star by season’s end.
Off the court, Patberg has always been more than an athlete. She’s been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and equal pay in sports — causes that will no doubt gain even greater visibility as she steps into her new role.
In a league that’s hungry for transformation and star power, Ali Patberg’s arrival — paired with a contract that’s rewriting history — signals a bold new chapter for women’s basketball. Whether she leads the Fever to a championship or not, one thing is already certain: Ali Patberg isn’t just playing the game anymore. She’s changing it.
