In a move that caught many fans off guard, the Indiana Fever have officially waived guard Bree Hall and forward Jillian Alleyne — two promising players — as the team works to finalize its roster ahead of the 2024 WNBA regular season. While the spotlight has been shining brightly on rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, the behind-the-scenes reality is far more complicated: the Fever are facing serious salary cap constraints that are forcing some tough — and painful — decisions.

Despite strong preseason efforts, both Hall and Alleyne were the latest casualties of the WNBA’s tight roster rules. With just 12 roster spots allowed and a hard salary cap of roughly $1.46 million for the entire team, fitting in a superstar rookie like Clark — alongside veterans and developing players — has put management in a financial chokehold.

“This wasn’t about performance,” said a team insider. “It was about cap flexibility and long-term planning. The numbers just didn’t work.”

Bree Hall, a recent draft pick out of South Carolina, was seen by many as a young player with upside, while Jillian Alleyne brought veteran presence and rebounding experience. Their release sparked frustration among fans and analysts who are increasingly critical of the WNBA’s roster limitations.

“Twelve roster spots in a growing league? It’s unsustainable,” said ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “We’re watching talent walk out the door because there’s literally no room.”

Caitlin Clark, meanwhile, continues to impress on the court. In her most recent preseason appearance — a sold-out game in Iowa City — she dropped 21 points and electrified the crowd with her signature logo-range shooting and court vision. But even her star power can’t protect the Fever from the harsh math of league finances.

Adding to the pressure is the fact that Clark’s rumored $28 million Nike endorsement, while a huge personal win, does not count toward the WNBA salary cap. That means the Fever still have to stretch every dollar of team salary — even as Clark’s presence is massively boosting ticket sales, viewership, and national attention.

The waiving of Hall and Alleyne is a clear reminder: the WNBA is growing fast, but the infrastructure hasn’t caught up yet.

As for the Fever, all eyes now turn to opening night. Can Caitlin Clark lead this restructured squad into a new era of success? Or will cap restrictions continue to hold the team back from reaching its full potential?