The Indiana Fever have signed Michelle Onyiah to a developmental roster spot. This move marks a significant milestone for the Upshot League, as Onyiah becomes the first athlete from the inaugural season to secure a contract in the WNBA.
Onyiah, a 6-foot-3 forward, joins the Fever after demonstrating high-level performance with the Charlotte Crown. During her time in the Upshot League, she recorded statistics including 9.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while leading the league in blocks. Her career path includes collegiate play at Cal and professional experience in Belgium along with a stint in a New York Liberty training camp.
The Upshot League serves as a developmental platform for players who face limited roster space in the WNBA. By providing professional competition during the summer, the league aims to prevent players from needing to seek opportunities overseas. Donna Orender, the former WNBA president who heads the Upshot League, views this signing as evidence of the league's success in preparing athletes for the professional level.
This addition to the Indiana Fever roster comes as the team holds an 18-10 record, placing them fifth in the current standings. Onyiah will wear number one for the remainder of the season. Her transition from the developmental circuit to the league roster highlights the primary objective of the Upshot League in keeping talent active and visible within the domestic basketball system.