You know that massive software outage that’s wrecking havoc on technology all around the world on Friday? Well, it may have a massive financial impact on Indiana Fever guard Erica Wheeler, too.
The 33-year-old should be on her way to Phoenix right now for the WNBA All-Star weekend, but her flight was among the hundreds canceled as airlines work through the mini tech apocalypse.
That’s not only a massive bummer for the veteran guard, it might legitimately cost her tens of thousands of dollars now that she cannot compete in Friday’s skills competition and has been replaced by teammate Kelsey Mitchell.
🚨A very important message from our @IndianaFever duo @EWeezy_For3eezy and @Kelz_Hoop 🚨
Tune in tonight to see Kelsey take the stage starting at 9pm/ET On ESPN pic.twitter.com/ByyIdOi64e
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 19, 2024
mannnn 🥹🥹🥹🥹 nahhhh maaaannn this too much @Kelz_Hoop pic.twitter.com/56dw5gNA7A
— Erica Wheeler (@EWeezy_For3eezy) July 20, 2024
On Thursday night, WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike announced insurance company Aflac would be providing a $55,000 prize for the winners of the skills challenge and 3-point contest.
Due to flight cancellations, Erica Wheeler says she won’t make it to the Skills Competition 💔 pic.twitter.com/Fxy3ueEsDt
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) July 19, 2024
Here’s the thing, though. Wheeler has every right to feel like that money should be going into her pocket. The guard is the favorite (+300 at DraftKings Sportsbook) to win the skills contest against Marina Mabrey, Allisha Gray, Sophie Cunningham and Brittney Griner.
And, as we all know, WNBA players don’t live in a world where they can scoff at an extra $55K. That’s more than a third of Wheeler’s average salary on her current contract for an hour or so of work.
Here’s hoping she gets another shot next year.
