Princeton Grad Kelsey Mitchell Inks $1.4M WNBA Supermax Deal

The Indiana Fever star becomes one of the highest-paid players in the league.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:19am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and white representing the Indiana Fever's colors and the dynamic energy of the sport.Kelsey Mitchell's historic supermax deal with the Indiana Fever showcases the WNBA's growing recognition of its top talent and the league's commitment to pay equity.Princeton Today

Kelsey Mitchell, a Princeton graduate and star player for the Indiana Fever, has signed a historic one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract, making her one of the highest-paid players in the WNBA. Mitchell's journey from a high school standout to an NCAA scoring legend and now a WNBA supermax player is a testament to her talent, dedication, and loyalty to the Fever franchise.

Why it matters

Mitchell's supermax deal is a significant milestone for the WNBA, as it represents the growing recognition and appreciation for the league's top talent. The increased salary cap has allowed for these lucrative contracts, which help close the pay gap between men's and women's professional sports.

The details

Kelsey Mitchell was a standout player at Princeton, where she became the first four-time All-American in the school's women's basketball program history. She then continued her dominance at Ohio State, finishing as the NCAA's second all-time leading scorer with 3,402 points. The Indiana Fever drafted Mitchell second overall in 2018, and she has since become a cornerstone of the franchise, nearly carrying the team to the WNBA Finals last season with her impressive averages of 20.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game.

  • Kelsey Mitchell was drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2018.
  • In 2025, Mitchell was named to the All-WNBA First Team.
  • On April 13, 2026, Mitchell signed a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract with the Indiana Fever.

The players

Kelsey Mitchell

A Princeton graduate and star player for the Indiana Fever, Mitchell has become one of the highest-paid players in the WNBA after signing a historic $1.4 million supermax contract.

Indiana Fever

The professional women's basketball team that drafted Kelsey Mitchell in 2018 and has since signed her to a lucrative supermax contract, demonstrating their commitment to the player and the growth of the WNBA.

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What they’re saying

“Kelsey Mitchell's supermax deal is a testament to her incredible talent and the growing recognition of the WNBA's top players. This is a significant milestone for the league and women's sports as a whole.”

— Candace Parker, WNBA Legend and Analyst

What’s next

The Indiana Fever will look to build around Kelsey Mitchell and make a deep playoff run in the 2026 WNBA season, with the superstar's new contract providing stability and resources to the franchise.

The takeaway

Kelsey Mitchell's supermax deal with the Indiana Fever is a landmark moment for the WNBA, showcasing the league's ability to compensate its top talent and close the pay gap between men's and women's professional sports. Mitchell's journey from a Princeton standout to a WNBA superstar is an inspiration, and her loyalty to the Fever franchise is a testament to the growth and potential of the women's game.