Indianapolis, IN – May 21, 2025: Tamika Catchings, the celebrated WNBA icon and Indiana Fever legend, has been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition, sources close to the family confirmed today. The 45-year-old Hall of Famer, known for her tenacity on the court and her inspiring journey overcoming hearing loss, was admitted to the ICU earlier this week after experiencing severe symptoms related to the condition.
Catchings, who has been a beacon of resilience throughout her career, reportedly began experiencing fatigue, joint pain, and unexplained fevers over the past few months. After undergoing extensive medical evaluations, doctors identified the condition as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs. The diagnosis was a shock to Catchings and her loved ones, but she remains optimistic, drawing on the same determination that fueled her storied basketball career.
“Tamika is a fighter, on and off the court,” said her longtime friend and former teammate, DeWanna Bonner, in a statement. “She’s facing this challenge with the same grit and grace she always has. We’re all behind her.” Catchings, who retired from the WNBA in 2016 after a 15-year career with the Fever, has been open about her health struggles in the past, including her experience with hearing loss since childhood. She has not yet made a public statement about her diagnosis but is expected to address fans soon.
The Catch the Stars Foundation, founded by Catchings in 2004 to support disadvantaged youth, issued a brief statement: “Tamika is grateful for the outpouring of support and asks for privacy as she focuses on her health. She remains committed to inspiring others and will continue her work with the foundation when able.”
Catchings’ diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of support on social media, with fans and fellow athletes rallying around the hashtag #CatchTheFight. Her former coach, Stephanie White, compared Catchings’ work ethic to that of Caitlin Clark, noting her as “one of the all-time greatest” in a recent interview. As Catchings navigates this new chapter, her legacy as a champion, philanthropist, and role model continues to inspire.
