Kelsey Mitchell is returning to the Indiana Fever after a record-breaking 2025 season in which she set franchise marks for points per game and total points.
Kelsey Mitchell agreed to terms on a new contract, the Indiana Fever announced, keeping the franchise cornerstone for a ninth season heading into 2026.
Mitchell is coming off the best individual season of her career and one of the more impressive performances in recent Fever history. She averaged 20.2 points and 3.4 assists per game in 2025, setting a franchise record for points per game in a single season and surpassing a mark Tamika Catchings set in 2003. Her 890 total points established a new single-season franchise record as well. She earned her first All-WNBA First Team selection, was named an MVP finalist, and helped Indiana win the Commissioner's Cup.
"For nearly a decade, Kelsey has been a foundational piece of the Indiana Fever and securing her return was our highest priority," Fever general manager Amber Cox said. "She further cemented her legacy last season, and we're grateful for everything she brings to this organization."
Clark's injury changed the Fever's season before it ever really got started. Caitlin Clark appeared in just 13 games due to a series of injuries, including a season-ending groin problem in mid-July, yet Indiana still finished 24-20 and qualified for the playoffs.
Mitchell shouldered the scoring burden and came through. She put up a game-high 24 points in the series-clinching first-round win over the Atlanta Dream, then went for 34 in the opening semifinals game against the Las Vegas Aces. Indiana fell to the eventual champion Aces but pushed them to the limit. Mitchell finished with 178 playoff points across eight games, the third-most in a single postseason in franchise history behind only Catchings.
Eight seasons in, Mitchell's standing in franchise history is well established. She owns the Fever record for three-pointers made with 669 and sits second all-time in games played, total points, field goals made, and free throws made. The No. 2 overall pick in 2018, she has suited up for 277 of a possible 282 regular season games and led Indiana in scoring in seven of her eight seasons.
With Mitchell locked in, the Fever's core heading into 2026 remains intact. Clark has two years remaining on her contract, and Boston has one year left on her rookie deal. Both will be restricted free agents when their deals expire, giving Indiana matching rights on any offer sheet — a significant advantage as Cox looks to add around the franchise's three centerpieces.
The Fever open the 2026 season on May 9 at home against the Dallas Wings.