WNBA

Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell’s big admission about Caitlin Clark’s role in her return

The Indiana Fever have re-signed Kelsey Mitchell, and the guard admitted that Caitlin Clark was a big factor in her decision.

Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell
© Steph Chambers/Getty ImageIndiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell

On Wednesday, the Indiana Fever announced that guard Kelsey Mitchell had re-signed with the team in a supermax one-year deal. Securing the return of the All-Star was key for the franchise, and it turns out that Caitlin Clark was a huge reason for her to stay in Indiana.

After the announcement, the Fever shared a video on X in which Mitchell explained her reason to stay with the team she has spent all her seven seasons in the WNBA. “Indiana has been my second home since I went pro, so this is the only city I know,” Mitchell said in the video.

“To see you guys open your arms up to me … that was a big part of me coming back, because I got to meet great people. Then I met one of the greatest people in the world, Caitlin Clark, who just ran the basketball world. I think, together, we hope to make you guys proud,” she added.

Advertisement

Mitchell accepted the core qualifying offer made by Indiana, in which she will earn the supermax salary of $250,000. “Everything about Kelsey Mitchell is core, right?” Fever president Kelly Krauskopf said in a video posted to X.

Advertisement

“Her core values, her core basketball, everything about her is what we’re about. And so there was no way she was going anywhere else but the Indiana Fever. This was a great day for our franchise. It starts with her, and her legacy continues in an Indiana jersey,” she explained.

Nike CEO gives update on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark's long-awaited signature shoe

see also

Clark greeted Mitchell at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Mitchell played a key role in one of the league’s strongest backcourts last season alongside 2024 No. 1 pick Clark, who was at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to welcome her on Wednesday morning.

Advertisement

Clark, along with a group of Pacers Sports & Entertainment employees, gathered at the airport to greet Mitchell and celebrate her new contract. “Did you do this?” Mitchell asked Clark as they embraced.

Advertisement

The two developed strong chemistry on the court, with Clark delivering crosscourt passes to Mitchell and orchestrating creative plays to navigate defenders. Both finished the season averaging 19.2 points, with Clark edging Mitchell by three total points over 40 games.

ALSO READ

Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sends clear message to the rest of the league
MLB

Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sends clear message to the rest of the league

Andy Reid's Chiefs choose their 2024 MVP
NFL

Andy Reid's Chiefs choose their 2024 MVP

Vikings QB Sam Darnold makes something clear about his future ahead of the 2025 NFL season
NFL

Vikings QB Sam Darnold makes something clear about his future ahead of the 2025 NFL season

Magic Johnson sends bold warning to the Lakers after beating the Nuggets
NBA

Magic Johnson sends bold warning to the Lakers after beating the Nuggets

Better Collective Logo