The Indiana Fever have just made one of the boldest decisions in franchise history â and the WNBA world is on fire.
Multiple sources confirm the Fever are finalizing a massive two-year, $100 million deal to retain star guard Kelsey Mitchell, a move that could completely reshape the teamâs futureâand potentially disrupt its chemistry in the process.
Mitchell, who officially became a free agent after the 2025 season, was one of the most sought-after names on the market. Several teamsâincluding the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Chicago Skyâhad reportedly expressed interest. But in a stunning twist, Indiana moved first, and fast.
This contract doesnât just signal loyaltyâit signals dominance. With this deal, the Fever are betting big that Mitchell remains the franchise cornerstone as they look to transition from rebuilding to championship contention.
However, the move has sparked mixed reactions across the league and even within the Fever locker room. Some insiders suggest not everyone agrees with giving Mitchell such a commanding contractâespecially when it could limit financial flexibility to strengthen the roster around her and Caitlin Clark, the teamâs rising global superstar.
âThis is a gamble,â said one veteran WNBA scout. âMitchellâs talent is undeniable. But paying that much, that quickly, sends a messageânot just to the fans, but to every player in that locker room.â

Mitchell has long been one of the leagueâs most explosive scorers, known for her lethal first step and cold-blooded clutch shooting. She averaged over 19 points per game last season, carrying the Fever through multiple close contests and establishing herself as the emotional heartbeat of the team. But with the arrival of Clark, some analysts speculated that her offensive role might shiftâand that tension could rise between the two stars over leadership and spotlight.
The Feverâs front office appears to have made its choice. By rewarding Mitchell with a historic contract, theyâve made it clear: sheâs not just part of the futureâshe is the future.
Yet the deal raises a crucial question: what does this mean for the rest of the roster?
Indianaâs management is reportedly considering a series of moves to balance the salary structure, including potential trades involving key role players and veterans. âYou canât pay everyone,â one insider noted. âIf theyâre keeping Kelsey on a $100 million deal, somethingâor someoneâhas to give.â
Fans, meanwhile, are split. Social media has exploded with reactions, with some celebrating the Feverâs commitment to loyalty and leadership, while others fear this is an overreach that could backfire if the team struggles early next season.
âLove Kelsey, but $100 million? Thatâs wild,â one user wrote on X. Another countered: âShe earned it. Heart and hustle canât be boughtâbut it can be rewarded.â
Kelsey Mitchell herself has yet to comment publicly, but insiders say sheâs âdeeply movedâ by the franchiseâs faith in her. The Fever are expected to hold a press conference later this week to formally announce the deal, alongside updates on offseason roster moves.
Whether this gamble becomes a masterstroke or a meltdown remains to be seen. The WNBA has rarely seen such an aggressive financial commitment in so short a termâand all eyes will now turn to how this changes Indianaâs trajectory.
As one league executive put it, âThey just put all their chips on Kelsey Mitchell. If it pays off, theyâre geniuses. If not, this could haunt them for years.â
One thingâs for sure: Indiana Fever just changed the gameâand they did it in the most shocking way possible.
Leave a Reply