While this year, Stephanie White’s star player will earn a salary of $528,846, under the league’s new rules her financial future appears to be much more promising.

Because Clark earned All-WNBA honors as a rookie, she has unique leverage. What’s this story about? She is eligible to renegotiate her fourth-year salary into a much higher figure or sign a multi-year extension as early as this year. Also, she could be eligible for a max contract extension worth up to $1.3 million per year.

The message from the Indiana Fever is clear: they aim to keep their franchise star for years to come. It remains to be seen what will happen in the near future, but the outlook appears favorable for both sides.

Caitlin Clark’s salary compared to Angel Reese’s

While both players are seeing historic pay increases under the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, a notable gap remains in their base compensation for the 2026 season.

Angel Reese is set to earn approximately $350,692 this year, a massive leap from her previous rookie-scale salary but still significantly lower than the figures projected for Clark. Beyond the financial shift, Reese’s career is entering a new chapter following her recent blockbuster trade from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream earlier this April.

This move, which sent Reese to Atlanta in exchange for multiple first-round picks, marks a major transition as she looks to anchor a new franchise while navigating the WNBA’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Clark is eagerly awaiting the new WNBA season

With Caitlin Clark at full physical strength, the Indiana Fever are entering a crucial stretch as they transition from their preseason success—highlighted by a dominant 109–91 win over the Liberty—into the official 2026 campaign. Their final preseason tune-ups include a home matchup tonight, April 30, against the Dallas Wings, followed by a meeting with the Nigerian National Team on May 2.

The regular season kicks off with high expectations on May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against Dallas, marking the start of a demanding May schedule that features key road tests against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Golden State Valkyries.

“Azzi Fudd was the number one draft pick because she earned it,” Bueckers said during a press conference, via reporter Landon Thomas. “It had nothing to do with me, and everything to do with who she is as a human being, as a basketball player, her resilience, her strength, and her career-year in UConn. Azzi is her own great individual person and she should be celebrated as such.“

Bueckers went on to say her personal relationship with Fudd is no one’s business but their own. As she answered a question from the media on the topic—which is one of the biggest storylines going into the 2026 WNBA season—Bueckers made it clear this would be the lone time she addressed the issue.

Why was there such a loud buzz behind the pick?

As soon as the Wings‘ first overall pick in 2026 was announced, social media exploded with fans questioning the decision. Many believed Fudd wasn’t the best prospect in her class. Prospects such as Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, and international standout Awa Fam Thiam were ranked above Fudd by some analysts.

Make no mistake, Fudd is one of the best in the country, and she was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2021 for a reason. However, she has battled injuries early in her career, and the fact she was drafted by the organization that selected her girlfriend, Bueckers, first overall in 2025 raised some suspicion. However, it’s not like the Wings reached with their selection.

Still, the front office in Dallas knew what would happen by drafting Fudd. Now, they expect the on-the-court product in May and beyond to be worth the headaches in April.

Did Bueckers’ presence play a role?

Bueckers firmly denied having anything to do with the selection, but it’s hard to believe the face of the franchise wasn’t asked for her two cents or wasn’t in the room when discussing what route the Wings should take in the 2026 WNBA Draft. One way or another, Bueckers’ presence may have played a role.

Perhaps Dallas knew selecting Fudd would keep Bueckers on its good side. The Wings finished the 2025 campaign with a 10–34 record, that earned them the first overall pick in 2026, and drafting Fudd out of college may have been the easiest way to keep the franchise savior happy.

When does the 2026 WNBA season start?

The 2026 WNBA season will tip off on May 8 with a tripleheader. The Connecticut Sun will visit the New York Liberty, the Washington Mystics will take on the Toronto Tempo in Canada, and the Golden State Valkyries will play at the home of the Seattle Storm. As for Dallas, its schedule will open with a bang.

Bueckers, Fudd, and the Wings will take on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Talk about making a first impression, with the duo of Bueckers and Fudd taking on the face of the WNBA.

“She was good,” the head coach said, according to Robin Lundberg. “You know, I think we play differently when she’s on the floor. And so again, learning how to to play with her in the action. I thought she was good, I thought she didn’t force anything, she played with great intention, and everything that she did was in the flow.”

Clark finished the game with 17 minutes played, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block in a 109–91 victory. Slowly but surely, one of the biggest stars in the WNBA is getting back into form, which is very good news for the Fever.

Boosting Caitlin Clark’s shooting

Caitlin Clark has been slowly recovering from her groin injury, which limited her to just 13 games last season. Getting back into rhythm is not easy, so the head coach will need to maximize her abilities to help her star rediscover her characteristic shooting touch on the court.

“She was communicating at a high level. I mean, if we’re talking about the shot making, like, that’s going to come, they play her differently in the W than they do in international basketball, and so we’ve just got to find ways to free her up, to get her some easy looks,” White said.

Throughout the game, Caitlin Clark attempted 10 field goals, making only 2. Her efficiency was well below her usual level, but it should be taken into account that her last game with the team came in July 2025.

Indiana Fever’s upcoming games

The Indiana Fever are currently in the midst of their 2026 preparations, having already kicked off the preseason yesterday. Their exhibition slate continues this week as they host the Dallas Wings on Thursday, April 30, followed by a special matchup against the Nigeria National Team on May 2.

The regular season officially tips off on Saturday, May 9, with a highly anticipated home opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Dallas Wings. This game is set to be a major highlight of the WNBA’s 30th anniversary season, potentially featuring the last four No. 1 overall draft picks on the same court.

The team’s biggest star, under head coach Stephanie White, was not listed on the Fever’s injury report, so she was already expected to take the court at Barclays Center. However, other key players will be absent due to injury.

According to what was announced on the franchise’s official X account, four players will be out this afternoon: Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, Damiris Dantas, and Ty Harris. Different injuries have prevented them from being available alongside their teammates for this game.

The Fever are beginning to get excited about what could be a promising season for them. Improving on their previous WNBA semifinal appearance is the main goal—can they achieve it with Clark on the court this season?

A long layoff for Clark

Caitlin Clark’s 2025 sophomore season was severely hampered by a series of physical setbacks that began during the preseason. She initially struggled with left quad and groin injuries that limited her availability early on, and her season was eventually cut short following a right groin injury sustained on July 15 against the Connecticut Sun.

While attempting to rehab, she suffered additional complications, including an ankle sprain and a bone bruise, which led to the joint decision with the Indiana Fever in early September to sideline her for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs. In total, Clark was limited to just 13 games in 2025 and remained off the court for over eight months before finally returning to full-contact action during training camp in April 2026.

What’s next for the Fever?

Following their preseason matchup against the Liberty, the Indiana Fever will continue their exhibition schedule with two home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They are set to host the Dallas Wings on April 30, followed by an international friendly against the Nigerian National Team on May 2.

The Fever will then officially tip off the 2026 WNBA regular season on Saturday, May 9, with a highly anticipated home opener against the Wings, marking a busy start to their 44-game campaign.

“3x-WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston is signing a four-year, $6.3 million contract extension with the Indiana Fever, giving her the richest total salary in league history to date, Zack Miller of WME Basketball tells me, [Shams Charania] and [Kendra Andrews]. She will make $1M in the upcoming season and 20% of the cap through 2029,” Alexa Philippou wrote on X.

The insider also added: “The extension stems from the EPIC provision of the new CBA, which, due to her previously earning an all-WNBA selection, allows her to effectively replace what she was set to earn in 2026 and accelerates her ability to earn the max.”

Stephanie White has built the team she wanted: retaining her stars and adding young talent from the Draft. Are the Indiana Fever title contenders this season?

Boston backs up her extension with her stats

During the 2025 WNBA season, Aliyah Boston reinforced her status as the Indiana Fever‘s foundational post presence, especially after Caitlin Clark’s season was cut short due to recurring groin and ankle injuries. Boston finished the year with career-high averages of 15.0 points and 3.7 assists per game, while also leading the team with 8.2 rebounds.

Her leadership became vital when Clark was sidelined; despite the floor spacing shrinking without the star guard’s gravity, Boston stabilized the offense by becoming a more active playmaker and interior force. She set a new Fever franchise record with 361 total rebounds in a single season and recorded 17 double-doubles, ensuring Indiana remained competitive and reached the playoffs.

Her ability to anchor the defense and dominate the paint allowed the Fever to navigate a season plagued by injuries, ultimately earning her a third consecutive All-Star nod and a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team.

“I’m looking forward to joining an amazing organization like the Fever. I’m excited to play alongside some of the most talented players in the league.” Walker-Kimbrough said. “The success of the team last year not only speaks to the players but also Coach White and her staff, so I’m blessed to be a part of it.”

The sting of being eliminated in the most recent semifinals is still fresh. Can they now finally reach the long-awaited finals in the league?

Walker-Kimbrough’s championship title

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough played a key role as a spark plug off the bench during the Washington Mystics’ historic 2019 championship run. Throughout that title-winning campaign, she appeared in 34 games, averaging 6.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting an impressive 93% from the free-throw line.

Her defensive energy and efficient scoring were vital in the Finals, helping the Mystics secure their first-ever WNBA trophy in a thrilling five-game series.

Adding depth to the backcourt rotation

The arrival of Shatori Walker-Kimbrough has a clear purpose for this team. Stephanie White now adds more rotation depth in the backcourt, something that could be beneficial in the long term.

“Shatori is a versatile guard who adds depth to our backcourt rotation,” said Fever COO and General Manager Amber Cox. “She’s a proven veteran in our league who brings a championship mindset and experience, both on and off the court.”

Clark is ready to get back in action

After a grueling recovery from the groin injury that sidelined her for most of 2025, Caitlin Clark enters the 2026 season with a fierce sense of unfinished business. The Indiana Fever star is fueled by the memory of last year’s playoff exit, where she had to watch from the sidelines as her team fell to the New York Liberty in a tough four-game semifinal series.

Now back at full strength and fresh off an MVP performance in the international qualifiers, Clark is determined to avenge that postseason heartbreak and lead Indiana past the final hurdles to secure the championship that slipped away during her absence.

“She is a phenomenal player,” Johnson said in a recent interview with Overtime. “I mean, with the things she does, it’s bar standard. She can shoot the ball, can lead a team, and they win. Like, she has a winning mentality. And I think that’s the biggest thing.”

Indiana has now added a new defensive option to the team, arguably one of the top prospects at this position in college basketball. Are the Fever one of the leading contenders for the title?

Confidence in Johnson

The former South Carolina Gamecocks player was selected with the 10th overall pick, something that even caught Amber Cox’s attention. Now, Johnson will have to repay her new team for the trust placed in her after being drafted.

“[Johnson’s] a competitor from one of the greatest programs from college basketball, and she’s won at the highest level,” said Fever COO and GM Amber Cox to the press. “We were just so pumped when she was available at No. 10. We know she’s going to come in here and compete really hard and create great depth in our backcourt rotation.”

Clark ready for revenge

After a frustrating 2025 season where a persistent groin injury limited her to just 13 games, Caitlin Clark is poised for a massive redemption arc in 2026. Having already proven her health by earning MVP honors at the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year, the Fever star is now fully focused on reclaiming her dominance in the WNBA.

With her signature long-range shooting back on display, Clark’s comeback isn’t just about returning to the court—it’s about leading Indiana on the championship run that her injury cut short a year ago.

“She’s won at every level, she’s set the tone at every level,” head coach Stephanie White said of Johnson. “She’s immediately ready on the defensive end of the floor, which is something that we need.

“She’s been a true point guard playing for the greatest point guard that’s played the game [in South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley]. And she’s experienced, she’s experienced in big-time moments. Really excited that she fell to us.”

Stats that back Johnson’s Draft pick

The Indiana Fever selected South Carolina standout Raven Johnson with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. A two-time national champion under Dawn Staley, the 5-foot-8 point guard is coming off a stellar senior campaign where she averaged 9.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 39.8% from beyond the arc.

The Fever chose Johnson primarily for her elite perimeter defense and leadership, as she was recently named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Her ability to set the tempo and her championship-tested experience make her a perfect addition to a backcourt looking for a high-IQ playmaker who can contribute immediately on both ends of the floor.

White counts on interesting Fever roster

Following a 2025 season where she was limited to just 13 games due to injury, Caitlin Clark returns to full strength at the heart of Stephanie White’s high-powered offensive system. Alongside her, the Fever boast a formidable ‘Big Three’ featuring the elite interior presence of Aliyah Boston and the explosive scoring of Kelsey Mitchell, who is coming off a career-best season and an All-WNBA First Team selection.

This core is further bolstered by the veteran leadership of newly signed forward Monique Billings, the versatile defense of Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham, and the aforementioned addition of Raven Johnson, whose championship pedigree from South Carolina provides White with a championship-caliber rotation ready to contend for the title.

“I feel like there’s still so much left on the table and so much unknown… I can’t wait, obviously, to play with her again, but to play with every single one of them,” Fudd stated to the press.

The team led by Jose Fernandez will have an interesting season opener: May 9 vs the Indiana Fever. Can the coach get his stars to click and deliver a big statement win in the WNBA?

Fudd’s leap to the WNBA

During her final season at UConn, Azzi Fudd reminded the world why she is considered one of the purest shooters in basketball history. Starting all 39 games, she averaged a career-high 17.7 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game.

Her efficiency was historic, posting shooting splits of 48.9% from the field, 45.5% from three-point range, and an nearly perfect 95.5% from the free-throw line. Fudd led the entire nation with 117 made three-pointers, the fourth-most in UConn single-season history, cementing her legacy as a 2026 First-Team All-American and the eventual #1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Bueckers looks to improve on her rookie season

Last year, Bueckers delivered a historic rookie season with the Wings, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. She captured the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award after becoming the first rookie in league history to average 15+ points and 5+ assists while shooting over 45% from the field.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Bueckers aims to elevate her efficiency and playmaking, a goal made much more attainable by the arrival of her longtime friend and former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd.

With Fudd’s elite floor-spacing and sharpshooting (45.5% from 3 in her final college season), Bueckers will have more room to operate and a trusted perimeter threat to boost her assist numbers as they seek to lead the Wings to a deep playoff run.

The Wings’ other Draft pick

With the 31st overall pick (first selection of the third round), the Dallas Wings selected Zee Spearman, a versatile 6-foot-4 forward from the University of Tennessee. Known for her interior presence and rebounding tenacity, Spearman averaged 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game during her final season with the Lady Vols.

Beyond her ability to protect the rim, she has shown significant growth as a floor-spacer, recording career highs in three-pointers made last year. Her length and defensive mobility make her a strategic addition to a Wings frontcourt looking for reliable depth behind their newly formed superstar perimeter.

“I’m excited to join the Fever. Playing for a contending team was a priority for me in free agency,” Hines-Allen said via the team’s official website. “The Fever check off all the boxes in what I was looking for, so I’m eager to play with these elite women and to get the chance to have the best fans in the league cheering for me, as well.”

Will Hines-Allen be the missing piece Indiana needs to finally win a title this season? What is certain is that the Fever are building a strong roster, retaining key pieces like Mitchell and Cunningham, while also adding young talent from other teams.

Experience as a WNBA champion

Myisha Hines-Allen played a key supportive role during the Washington Mystics’ historic 2019 WNBA championship run. In just her second professional season, she served as a reliable reserve forward, providing energy and frontcourt depth off the bench behind stars like Elena Delle Donne and Emma Meesseman.

While her statistical breakout came a year later, her contributions during the 2019 campaign were essential in solidifying the rotation that secured the franchise’s first-ever title.

Hines-Allen’s last season in Dallas

During her last tenure with the Dallas Wings, Myisha Hines-Allen established herself as a versatile and consistent presence in the rotation, appearing in all 40 games. She made a significant impact on both ends of the floor, contributing an average of 7.6 points while showcasing her tenacity on the glass with 6.0 rebounds per contest.

Beyond her scoring and rebounding, her playmaking ability stood out, as she facilitated the offense with 2.9 assists per game, proving to be a reliable multi-tool player for the Wings’ frontcourt.

Clark surrounds herself with talent

Caitlin Clark will have two new teammates at Fever as the roster undergoes a strategic refresh for the 2026 season. The addition of Megan McConnell and Kayana Traylor significantly bolsters the team’s backcourt, providing the defensive grit and playmaking depth needed to support Clark’s high-volume offense.

By bringing in these versatile guards, Indiana looks to create a more resilient rotation that can maintain high intensity and ball-handling efficiency throughout the grueling WNBA schedule.

Via the Fever’s official website, the franchise confirmed the arrival of these two players, who join Stephanie White’s team. Traylor will wear No. 4 and McConnell will wear No. 16.

The start of Indiana’s training camp is scheduled for April 19. There, preparations for the preseason games will begin: the first against the New York Liberty and the second against the Dallas Wings.

A necessary rotation for Clark and the Fever

Both Kayana Traylor and Megan McConnell bring valuable depth to the Fever’s backcourt, offering reliable support to Caitlin Clark. Traylor provides veteran stability and scoring punch, coming off a 2025 season where she averaged 6.3 points and 2.1 assists per game playing for Virginia Tech.

Meanwhile, McConnell serves as a defensive specialist and secondary playmaker; in her 2025 collegiate senior year, she averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Their primary role will be to alleviate ball-handling pressure from Clark, allowing her to operate more effectively as the team’s offensive focal point.

Indiana’s debut is approaching

The Indiana Fever are set for a high-octane start to the 2026 season, with a healthy Caitlin Clark ready to lead the charge from the jump. The schedule kicks off with a marquee matchup against the Dallas Wings on May 9, followed by back-to-back challenges against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 13 and the Washington Mystics on May 15.