Fever’s Erica Wheeler may miss out on $55K at WNBA All-Star weekend because of a software bug

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legitimately cost her tens of thousands of dollars now that she cannot compete in Friday’s skills competition and has been replaced by teammate Kelsey Mitchell.

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.

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.

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