The Indiana Fever has officially cored Kelsey Mitchell, securing exclusive negotiating rights for the 2025 WNBA season in exchange for a one-year supermax salary.
The guard earned All-Star honors in 2023 and 2024, playing a crucial role in helping the Fever return to the playoffs for the first time in her career. She finished the 2024 regular season just three points shy of Caitlin Clark.
The Fever prioritizes Mitchell’s return as they build on their recent success. General Manager Amber Cox has clarified that keeping Mitchell is the team’s top objective.
“She’s been here for seven seasons, and she’s been through a lot,” Cox said. “She hasn’t had much success yet, but I really want her to be part of what’s to come. She deserves that.”
Mitchell’s partnership with Clark in the backcourt has given the Fever plenty of optimism for the future. President Kelly Krauskopf praised their chemistry, saying, “I don’t think there’s a better place for her to showcase her skills than alongside Caitlin.”
Beyond basketball, Mitchell’s ties to her family in Cincinnati, Ohio — just a 1.5-hour drive from Indianapolis — have significantly influenced her decision-making. This proximity allowed her to stay connected with loved ones, particularly after the death of her father in 2023.
Though Mitchell has expressed a desire to test the free agency waters, the Fever’s core designation ensures they retain exclusive negotiating rights. While Mitchell’s camp has shown interest in speaking with other teams, the Fever could grant permission for such talks while still holding her rights with the supermax offer. A potential sign-and-trade is also an option if Mitchell decides to pursue a new opportunity.
With the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement expiring in 2025, Mitchell’s expected to sign a one-year deal. A potential overhaul of the league’s salary structure in future negotiations means few players are currently committing to long-term contracts.
