Indiana Fever Center Addresses Unexpected Development Away From Team
Indiana Fever center Damiris Dantas has returned to the United States following a lengthy visa delay. The Brazilian native re-signed with the Fever on April 12 during free agency period. She secured a two-year contract worth $610,000.
However, the 33-year-old center could not travel back to Indianapolis right away. She remained in Brazil for about two weeks while waiting for her U.S. work visa to be approved. The delay forced her to miss the start of training camp on April 19. She also missed the team's first WNBA preseason game on Saturday.
Dantas confirmed her arrival in Indianapolis in a social media update the next day. She posted a photo of the Fever training facility on her Instagram story, along with a home emoji. The Fever also announced her arrival on Instagram, sharing a photo of her back on the practice floor.
On Tuesday, Dantas shared her frustration over the prolonged processing of her visa while waiting in her home country.
"It was hard to wait for my visa at home," the 6-foot-4 power forward told reporters after practice. "I had nothing to do, just wait. The visa takes a little bit long this year again. So I have to be here, but I have to come back (to Brazil)."
Upon her return, Dantas spoke about how much she enjoys being back with the Fever organization. She said she feels at home despite the team's many new faces.
"I love it here. I love my teammates, the coach, the city, everything," she said. "It's like home for me here. I know there's a lot of new faces, but I'm so happy to be back here."
So good to hear from Damiris Dantas
— ericaf455 (@ericaf455) April 28, 2026
(via @indianafever) pic.twitter.com/HrpbonLg8u
Dantas is entering her third season with the Fever and brings a decade of WNBA experience under her belt. She previously played for the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream before joining Indiana.
The veteran center appeared in 38 games last season. She averaged 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench. However, a concussion in practice sidelined her for the Fever's playoff run. She later recovered and returned to competition overseas.
Dantas played in leagues in Turkey and China and for Brazil's national team during the offseason. Her return provides the Fever with much-needed size, versatility, and depth as the team pursues a championship. Indiana will officially tip off its 2026 regular season against the Dallas Wings on May 9.
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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 9:42 PM.