Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark gets good news on Tuesday

Fever make key moves to retain All-Star duo Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull ahead of 2026 WNBA season

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:08am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette conveying the competitive spirit of the sport.The Fever's strategic offseason moves aim to provide their rising star Caitlin Clark with the veteran support she needs to lead the team to new heights.Chicago Today

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season. The Fever have made early moves in free agency to retain two of Clark's key teammates, extending qualifying offers to three-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell and defensive standout Lexie Hull.

Why it matters

Clark's return to full health is crucial for the Fever's hopes of contending for their first WNBA championship since 2012. Keeping Mitchell and Hull in the fold will provide Clark with the supporting cast she needs to lead Indiana back to the playoffs.

The details

After winning Rookie of the Year in 2024, Clark was limited to just 13 games in 2025 due to multiple soft tissue injuries. However, she made a strong return to action in March, putting up MVP-caliber performances for Team USA in the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The Fever have now taken steps to retain two of Clark's most important teammates, extending qualifying offers to Mitchell and Hull ahead of the official free agency period.

  • Clark won the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
  • Clark was limited to 13 games in the 2025 WNBA season due to injuries.
  • Clark returned to action in March 2026, starring for Team USA in the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
  • The Fever extended qualifying offers to Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull on Tuesday, April 9, 2026, ahead of the start of WNBA free agency.

The players

Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever's superstar point guard, who won the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award but was limited to just 13 games in 2025 due to injuries. She is looking to bounce back and lead the Fever to their first WNBA championship since 2012.

Kelsey Mitchell

A three-time WNBA All-Star who carried the Fever's offense in 2025 while Clark was sidelined. The Fever have extended a core qualifying offer to retain Mitchell's services.

Lexie Hull

Considered the Fever's best defender, the team has extended a restricted qualifying offer to retain Hull's contract for the 2026 season and beyond.

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What they’re saying

“Caitlin Clark proved she hasn't missed a beat after her injury layoff, and the Fever are making smart moves to keep the core of their team together ahead of the new season.”

— Paolo Songco, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Fever will look to finalize new contracts with Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull during the upcoming WNBA free agency period, which begins on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.

The takeaway

By retaining two of their most important players in Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull, the Indiana Fever are positioning themselves to build a strong supporting cast around superstar Caitlin Clark as she looks to lead the team back to the WNBA playoffs and potentially their first championship since 2012.