
The Indiana Fever have made a significant move in their offseason by designating Kelsey Mitchell as a core player for the first time in her career. This decision ensures the team retains exclusive negotiating rights with Mitchell, as confirmed by Chloe Peterson of the Indy Star. By offering Mitchell a core qualifying deal, the Fever solidify her future with the team, guaranteeing her a supermax salary of approximately $249,000 for the 2025 season. This decision also secures Mitchell’s place as one of the highest-paid players in the WNBA, reflecting her status as a cornerstone of the Fever franchise.
Mitchell has been a consistent standout for the Fever since she was drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. Over the past seven years, she has led the team in scoring and earned two All-Star honors in 2023 and 2024. The move to designate Mitchell as a core player is a testament to her importance to the franchise and places her in rare company. Only four other players in the Fever’s 25-year history have received this honor, with Mitchell now joining the ranks of legends like Tamika Catchings.
This decision comes at a time when the Fever are also focused on building a competitive team around Mitchell. The team already boasts one of the league’s most dangerous backcourt pairings, with Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, who averaged 19.2 points per game in 2024. With around $657,000 in cap space, the Fever are in a strong position to not only retain Mitchell but also attract top-tier talent to further enhance their roster during the upcoming free agency period.
Mitchell, who has been with the Fever since the start of her career, has expressed a strong connection to Indianapolis. However, she has also acknowledged the importance of balancing loyalty with ambition as she navigates her free agency decision. By securing her as a core player, the Fever have taken a major step to ensure that Mitchell remains a central figure in their future plans. This move is a clear indication that the franchise is fully committed to building around Mitchell as they aim to remain competitive in the coming seasons.
With the Fever’s solid financial position and the dedication to keeping their star player, Mitchell’s future in Indiana looks promising. As the 2025 season approaches, the team is poised to strengthen its lineup further and continue its upward trajectory in the league.