WNBA

Indiana Fever make it official: Key Caitlin Clark teammate signs for another year

After weeks of speculation, the Indiana Fever have secured the return of one of their most important players and Caitlin Clark's most productive teammates.

Caitlin Clark celebrates with Indiana Fever teammates
© Harry How/Getty ImagesCaitlin Clark celebrates with Indiana Fever teammates

The Indiana Fever announced Thursday that Kelsey Mitchell had agreed to contract terms after being designated as the team’s core player. The two-time WNBA All-Star has been a key player for the franchise for the past seven years and is considered alongside Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, as a cornerstone of the team.

Mitchell accepted her qualifying offer, according to the WNBA transactions page. She will play on a one-year deal at the supermaximum worth $249,000, reports ESPN. Under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), she can be cored in 2026, but the CBA that can change as players negotiate a new deal.

“Kelsey has been a foundation of our franchise for many years, and we are thrilled to see her return to the Fever,” Fever President of Basketball and Business Operations Kelly Krauskopf said in a statement shared by IndyStar.

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Mitchell has been a vital part of the Fever franchise since being drafted second overall in 2018. She has appeared in 235 of the team’s 240 games since then, leading Indiana in scoring in all but two of her seasons. In 2024, she finished just three total points behind Caitlin Clark, as both players averaged 19.2 points per game.

Kelsey Mitchell returns to Indiana (Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

Kelsey Mitchell returns to Indiana (Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

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Also, the 28-year-old guard is the franchise’s second all-time leading scorer with 3,923 points, trailing only Fever legend Tamika Catchings. She earned her first All-Star nod in 2023 and repeated the achievement in 2024, forming a strong backcourt duo with Clark.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark wants to reunite with former Iowa teammate in the WNBA

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A key move in free agency

Retaining Mitchell was one of Indiana’s top priorities heading into free agency, especially amid major roster changes across the league. The Fever lost veteran Temi Fagbenle to the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft, and Erica Wheeler is still testing free agency.

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Meanwhile, several high-profile players have switched teams, including Kelsey Plum’s move to the Los Angeles Sparks, Jewell Loyd’s trade to the Las Vegas Aces, and Alyssa Thomas’ departure from the Connecticut Sun. Brittney Griner has reportedly signed with the Atlanta Dream.

mitchell and clark

Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever celebrates with Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

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In that sense, coach Stephanie White also praised Mitchell’s journey with Indiana. “I have watched her journey from the sideline since her time in college and have always admired her work ethic, approach to the game, and the way she interacts with her teammates. I can’t wait to work with her on a daily basis,” she said in a statement.

With Mitchell and Clark leading the backcourt, the Fever will look to build on their promising 2024 season and establish themselves as a true contender for the title. After the Fever reached the playoffs last season, they are aiming higher than ever.

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