Grace Berger Waived by Minnesota Lynx: Former IU Star Faces Uncertain WNBA Future After Promising Start
In a surprising move that has sparked conversations across the WNBA landscape, the Minnesota Lynx have officially waived former Indiana Hoosiers standout Grace Berger ahead of the 2025 season. The decision, announced via the team’s social media platforms, marks another challenging chapter for the 25-year-old guard who was once hailed as one of college basketball’s most versatile and composed floor generals.
Berger, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, originally began her professional journey with the Indiana Fever. During her rookie campaign, she showed promise and earned WNBA Second Team All-Rookie honors in 2023. Known for her mid-range efficiency, court vision, and steady leadership, Berger seemed poised for a long career in the league.
However, her role with the Fever diminished significantly in 2024 after the franchise selected Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 overall pick. Berger saw reduced minutes and fewer opportunities to showcase her skills, averaging just 4.2 points and 1.9 assists across 47 appearances over two seasons with Indiana.
In hopes of revitalizing her career, Berger signed with the Lynx on February 7, 2025. Though there was optimism about a fresh start in Minnesota, her tenure with the team was short-lived. Despite a strong showing overseas in Turkey this past offseason—where she averaged 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for OGM Ormanspor—Berger couldn’t crack the Lynx’s final roster.
“Her ability to get to her spots, I think is uncanny. I watched it in college and thought, ‘Well, is she going to be able to do that in our league?’ The answer is yes,” Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said in an interview with the Indy Star earlier this month. “She’s actually expanded her game as well. … She’s added value by shooting the three and playing multiple positions.”
Berger’s journey in professional basketball has mirrored that of many skilled college players adjusting to the faster pace, physicality, and fierce competition of the WNBA. Her release comes just days after another former Indiana Hoosiers star, Mackenzie Holmes, was waived by the Seattle Storm, raising concerns about the transition of even elite college talent to the professional level.
