With Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire set to join the WNBA through the expansion draft, the existing teams may only get to protect five players. And that especially puts the Indiana Fever in a pickle.

After extensive injuries to thier roster, including Caitlin Clark's groin injury, hampering their 2025 season, the Fever ended with a 17-player roster. This makes the team’s decision-making process even more difficult. So, who are the five players that Indy will probably protect? Here's the list.

1. Caitlin Clark

Ever since the Rookie of the Year for 2024 entered Indy, the team’s fate changed. The team had made it to the playoffs for the second consecutive season. She’s been the core of Indy’s offense and visibility, so having her on the team is the topmost priority. So, it’s most likely that Indy would be protecting her in 2026.

2. Kelsey Mitchell

The 2025 MVP candidate, Mitchell, played until her wheels were off. She pushed herself to the extent that her muscles literally gave up. She’s an offensive threat and one of the most difficult players to guard.

Losing such a player who has been an asset to the team doesn’t make sense. Indy has made it clear that their priority lies with Mitchell. As she’s the only core candidate the team has, she’s most likely to be under protection.

3. Aliyah Boston

Boston is fun and chill. But when she’s paired with Caitlin Clark on the court, the two become unstoppable. A glimpse of it was seen throughout the 2024 season. Even when CC was sidelined, she kept fueling the squad while staying by her side. Boston is currently on her rookie contract, and she’s most likely to stay.

4. Lexie Hull

Tough Hull, that’s the synonym the Indiana Fever standout earned for the 2025 season. When the team was injury-riddled, she kept showing up even with her raccoon eyes. She repeatedly refused to back down from the adversity the team experienced. For the 2026 season, she’s an unrestricted free agent, but she’s most likely to be signed again and then be protected.

5. Makayla Timpson

The fifth spot is quite complicated because there are many deserving candidates. But Indy would prefer Makayla, who’s still on her rookie contract, over Sophie Cunningham.

This means Sophie Cunningham, Brianna Turner, Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, Chloe Bibby, Kristy Wallace, and Damiris Dantas are all open to becoming unrestricted free agents. Natasha Howard is not eligible for expansion draft protection either, as she’s already been protected twice.

However, exactly how this all plays out will depend on the new CBA and Indy’s new roster.

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi