Billionaire Elon Musk has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a provocative statement about the Indiana Fever, a WNBA team, claiming, “With one dollar, I could make the entire Indiana Fever team kneel at my feet.” The comment, posted on X on May 30, 2025, at 10:15 AM +07, has drawn widespread condemnation for its derogatory tone and for mistakenly referring to the Fever as a baseball team. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White delivered a sharp rebuttal, rallying fans and surprising the basketball community with her fierce defense of the team’s honor.

Musk’s remark, seemingly intended as a jab at the Fever’s recent struggles, comes at a tumultuous time for the team. With a 2-3 record and star player Caitlin Clark sidelined by injury, the Fever are navigating a challenging season, compounded by a recent referee bribery scandal in their loss to the Washington Mystics. Musk’s claim that the team is “worth only one dollar” has been interpreted as a mockery of their value and competitive spirit, prompting accusations of disrespect toward women’s sports.

Coach Stephanie White responded swiftly during a press conference, stating, “Elon Musk may have billions, but he can’t buy the heart and resilience of this team. His comments are an insult not just to us but to every athlete who fights for respect in this league.” White’s passionate retort, delivered with unwavering conviction, has galvanized Fever fans, who have taken to social media to defend their team. Hashtags like #FeverPride and #RespectTheGame are trending, with supporters praising White’s leadership and condemning Musk’s insensitivity.

The controversy has reignited debates about the treatment of women’s sports, particularly in the WNBA, where players and coaches have long fought for recognition and equity. Analysts note that Musk’s comment, whether intentional or a misunderstanding of the Fever’s sport, reflects a broader tendency to undervalue women’s athletics. “This isn’t just about one team,” said sports commentator Jemele Hill. “It’s about the ongoing struggle for respect in a world that too often dismisses women’s contributions.”

Musk, known for his provocative online presence, has not retracted his statement but doubled down, posting, “Just stating facts about a team that’s struggling.” The response has only fueled the backlash, with fans and players from across the WNBA calling for an apology. The league issued a statement condemning “disrespectful rhetoric” and affirming its commitment to supporting its athletes, though it stopped short of directly addressing Musk.

For the Fever, this controversy adds to an already challenging week. The team is preparing for a critical matchup against the Connecticut Sun, with questions lingering about Clark’s return and the ongoing investigation into the referee scandal. White, however, has turned the narrative into a rallying cry, urging her players to channel the criticism into motivation. “We’re worth more than any dollar amount,” she told reporters. “We’ll show it on the court.”

The fallout from Musk’s comment has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of wealth, influence, and sports. While the billionaire’s remarks may have been intended as a jest, they have struck a nerve, highlighting the resilience of the Fever and their fans. As the WNBA season continues, White’s defiant response has solidified her as a leader, and the Fever are poised to prove their worth—far beyond a single dollar—on and off the court.