Kelsey Mitchell has agreed to terms to re-sign with the Indiana Fever after seven seasons with the organization, the team announced Wednesday morning. That comes after the team cored her earlier this month, which means she was offered a one-year supermax contract worth $249,244
Mitchell re-signing was a noted priority of the Fever front office after her career year helped propel Indiana to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
“Kelsey has been a foundation of our franchise for many years, and we are thrilled to see her return to the Fever,” said Kelly Krauskopf, the Fever’s president of basketball and business operations “We value Kelsey’s commitment to our organization, and we’re excited to see her build off a phenomenal 2024, her best season yet. She is one of the best guards in this league and is a cornerstone to building a championship roster.”
Mitchell averaged 19.2 points per game last season, shooting 46.8% from the field and 40.2% from three. She was one of the WNBA’s most consistent guards, along with backcourt mate Caitlin Clark, who averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in her rookie season en route to an All-WNBA First Team appearance.
Mitchell’s signing is the latest move in a busy week of WNBA free agency
It’s been a whirlwind week of transactions in WNBA free agency, which doesn’t officially begin until Feb. 1.
On Sunday night, ESPN reported a three-team trade that sent Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks, Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces, and Li Yuero (and the Sparks No. 2 pick) to the Seattle Storm.
Then, on Tuesday, Alyssa Thomas and Ty Harris were traded from the Connecticut Sun to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the 2025 No. 12 pick. A few hours later, longtime Phoenix Mercury veteran Brittney Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream. Both Thomas and Griner were with their respective organizations for 11 years.
Mitchell’s decision to re-sign with the Fever is the least surprising of this week’s moves. She also becomes the first WNBA star — so far — to rejoin her previous WNBA organization rather than head elsewhere for a fresh start.
Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark, and Aliyah Boston will run it back under Stephanie White
With Mitchell locked down, the Fever have their All-Star trio of Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Mitchell all under contract for next season.
Last year, the Fever finished the season with a 20-20 record and were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Connecticut Sun. They brought in Stephanie White to serve as their new head coach, and will run it back with the same core, except one year of experience under their belt.
“I’m thrilled that Kelsey is returning to Fever. She has been an integral part of this franchise from the moment she was drafted,” White said. “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.”
