The Indiana Fever franchise is no stranger to dealing with uncertainty, and the team losing Caitlin Clark for 31 games this season is proof enough. 

But the CBA negotiations being extended twice is something no one expected. The league will be preparing for free agency soon after, and the Indiana Fever wants to protect its core players, especially Kelsey Mitchell, who was key in helping them reach the playoffs.

However, a recent post from the star has left fans worried about her return. 

While free agency doesn't start until January 21st, the timing of the post alone was enough to set off alarms amid Fever fans who think it might be related to free agency negotiations. 

It comes as a bit of a shocker since Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White has been vocal about wanting to get Mitchell back for the next season. 

Ahead of the 2025 season, Mitchell went into free agency for the first time since she got drafted in 2018 as Indiana’s second pick. The franchise offered her a 1 year extension deal of $250,000 in exchange for exclusive negotiating rights. 

But with the CBA, almost all players are in for free agency, and each team is allowed only 5 protected picks as Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire come in as expansion teams. 

Kelsey Mitchell’s role in Indiana Fever 

The 5’8 guard has been with the Fever since 2018, averaging 17. 4 points per game in 277 games played. 

Fever's 2025 playoff run was majorly possible as the team banked on Kelsey Mitchell. She averaged 23.3 points and 3 assists per game in the playoffs, pushing her way to the semi-finals before falling short to the Las Vegas Aces. 

It will be hard to imagine Indiana Fever without Kelsey Mitchell, as fans also poured in with reactions, "Is this basketball related?” wrote @films_draft, and  "Who messin' wit Kels???" @CappyTCN added. 

Mitchell is currently preparing for Unrivaled and has also signed up for Project B, along with other Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham. 

Do you think Kelsey Mitchell will be back with Fever next season, or is the cryptic post a hint at a big change? 

Written by

Joyita Das

Edited by

Joyita Das