Indiana Fever Finalizing Supermax Contract with Kelsey Mitchell

Why the Fever are locking up Mitchell, but not Caitlin Clark, with a $1.4 million deal.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the dynamic action on the court.The Indiana Fever's supermax investment in Kelsey Mitchell signals the WNBA's growing financial power and commitment to its top talent.Indianapolis Today

The Indiana Fever are reportedly finalizing a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract with three-time WNBA All-Star Kelsey Mitchell. This deal makes Mitchell one of the first players in WNBA history to earn a salary of $1 million or more. The news raises questions about why the Fever are prioritizing Mitchell over 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, but the answers are straightforward - Mitchell has been a core piece for the Fever since being drafted in 2018, and Clark is not yet max eligible until 2027.

Why it matters

The Fever's decision to sign Mitchell to a supermax contract highlights the league's new collective bargaining agreement, which includes a $7 million salary cap and $1.4 million supermax deals. This move solidifies Mitchell as a cornerstone of the Fever's roster, alongside 2023 No. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston, as the team looks to make a deep playoff run in 2026 with a healthy roster.

The details

Mitchell, 30, earned All-WNBA honors and her third straight All-Star nod last year. She has been a key player for the Fever since they drafted her second overall in 2018. Mitchell's importance to the team was especially evident in 2025, when she and Boston were the Fever's lone constants during an injury-riddled campaign. Meanwhile, Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, missed much of the 2025 season due to injuries. Despite Clark and Boston's absences, Mitchell helped lead the Fever to the WNBA semifinals, where they fell to the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces.

  • The WNBA board of governors ratified the new collective bargaining agreement just over two weeks ago.
  • Friday, April 10, 2026 is the final day of the WNBA free agency negotiating period.
  • The WNBA's 30th season tips off on May 8, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Mitchell

A three-time WNBA All-Star guard who has been a core piece for the Indiana Fever since they drafted her second overall in 2018. Mitchell earned All-WNBA honors in 2025 and was crucial to the Fever's playoff run despite injuries to other key players.

Aliyah Boston

The Indiana Fever's No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023, an All-WNBA player in 2025 who is max eligible this year.

Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever's No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year who is not max eligible until 2027 due to missing much of the 2025 season with injuries.

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What they’re saying

“Mitchell will become one of the first players in WNBA history to cash in a salary of $1 million or more, assuming the deal is finalized as expected.”

— Chiney Ogwumike, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The WNBA's 30th season tips off on May 8, 2026, and the Fever will look to make a deep playoff run with a healthy roster led by Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Caitlin Clark.

The takeaway

The Fever's decision to sign Kelsey Mitchell to a supermax contract highlights the league's new CBA and the team's commitment to building around their core of All-Star talent. While Caitlin Clark is not yet max eligible, the Fever have positioned themselves as a contender in the WNBA with Mitchell, Boston, and a healthy Clark leading the way.