Caitlin Clark was greeted by a loud ovation as she was introduced by Kurt Streblow at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night. It had been a long time coming — for fans, and especially for her.

Last Saturday, Clark played in her first WNBA game since last July. This game marked her first home appearance since July 13, after injuries sidelined her for much of the past year.

Coincidentally, both came against the Dallas Wings.

Clark wasted no time, scoring 14 of her game-high 21 points in the opening seven minutes. She shot 4-of-5 from the field and converted all four free throws, helping the Indiana Fever to a 29–25 lead after one quarter.

But despite the fast start, it was not a strong showing for Indiana.

Fever head coach Stephanie White said her team lacked urgency, was out-toughed, and failed to play cohesively in a 95–80 preseason loss.

“We let them move the ball and move themselves really wherever they wanted to,” she said. “I didn’t feel like we had a sense of urgency. I felt like we were disconnected on the defensive end of the floor. We weren’t moving when the ball moves, and then we were standing watching.”

The issues began defensively — poor point-of-attack resistance, inconsistent screen communication, and weak-side breakdowns. For a newly constructed roster, those growing pains showed.

“We just have to play better defense,” Clark said. “There’s gonna be moments where we miss shots and there’s gonna be moments where you know things don’t go our way. We have to find a way to play better defense and we will.

“I think our disconnectedness will improve; it has to.”

White noted before the game that with only eight days of training camp, the focus remains foundational. They haven’t had enough time for install to even consider intentionally hiding strategy before these two teams meet on Opening Day.

“It’s really just about putting in our base-level stuff and making sure that we continue to execute that. It’s a preseason game so we just want to get players experience with each other. We want to get experience, as coaches, with different rotations.”

It’s a work-in-progress for all teams. Perhaps, more so now than ever with the roster turnover due to the new CBA.

The Wings shot 51%, dominated the glass 45–26, and outscored Indiana by 20 points in the paint. They won comfortably despite committing 22 turnovers.

“A little undisciplined,” Clark added. “Just soft defensively.”

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Caitlin Clark will soon add another accomplishment to her list — this time off the court.

The Indiana Fever star and two-time WNBA All-Star has written a children’s book that is scheduled to be published Nov. 3, 2026, by Random House Books for Young Readers. (Click here to pre-order.)

The picture book, “EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams,” was inspired by a mirror in Clark’s childhood room.

It read: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA.”

That message — striving to be EXTRAordinary — is woven throughout the book, which is written in uplifting, lively rhyming verse for young readers.

“Basketball has given me so many incredible opportunities, but what has always meant the most to me are the people who’ve supported me along the way,” said Clark. “I hope this book reminds kids that they’re never alone in chasing their dreams and that giving a little extra to the people and moments is what makes them EXTRAordinary.”

The book was illustrated by Adriana Predoi.

Clark, entering her third WNBA season, has become a driving force in the league’s growth.

All 44 Fever games this season will air on national television — a league first — with surging demand tied closely to her presence. TV ratings are up, games are sold out, opposing teams have moved matchups to larger venues, and merchandise sales continue to soar.

The announcement comes one day after the Caitlin Clark Foundation revealed a partnership with Scholastic and the United States of Readers (USoR) aimed at promoting literacy.

More than 26,000 students will receive fully funded classroom book boxes along with Caitlin Clark Foundation bookmarks.

“Caitlin is deeply connected to the people and the communities who have supported her along her journey,” said Sara Sargent, Editorial Director at Rodale Kids. “This book reflects the values that have anchored her throughout her life. It’s a joy-filled reminder that success is never achieved alone. EXTRAordinary! is a meaningful and very personal debut, and we’re thrilled to bring it to young readers.”

Clark often talks about how special it is to see girls and boys wearing her jersey, how they light up during those interactions — and how she remembers being in their shoes. Despite being sidelined for much of last season due to injury, she still spent about 20 minutes before each game signing autographs for fans at the arena.

For Clark, the impact has never stopped at the final buzzer — and now it won’t be limited to the court, either.

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Sunday marked just two weeks until a significant date in Pacers history: the draft lottery.

After going 19-63 this past season, they have a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. More importantly, they have a 52.1% shot of selecting inside the top four — which is critical. If they drop out of the top four, their pick goes to the LA Clippers as part of a midseason trade that brought center Ivica Zubac to Indy.

The draft lottery show will air live from Chicago at 3 p.m. ET on May 10. Yes, that’s also Mother’s Day. The Pacers need all the good karma they can get ahead of this.

As for Pacers basketball and the NBA Playoffs, I’ve been thinking about this for a while: Can they maintain their pace and increased number of possessions while staying healthy? We saw another young player, Donte DiVincenzo, suffer a torn Achilles tendon in the playoffs over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Fever were back inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday to resume training camp. They enjoyed Sunday off after shooting 51% and scoring 29 points off turnovers in a 109-91 road win against the New York Liberty.

Click here to read my game recap and watch my report.

They have two more exhibition games, both at home: Thursday vs. Dallas and Saturday vs. the Nigeria National Team.

I spent Friday evening at the Lucas Oil Estate as Republic Airways hosted its 14th annual Plane Pull gala — benefiting A Kid Again, Indiana Wish, Riley Children’s Foundation, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, and other children’s organizations.

Pacers Sports & Entertainment was one of many sponsors for the event.

One of the special guests was Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II. He’s been with the franchise since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Years later, he’s one of four players featured on giant photos inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

However, he recently requested a trade — seeking a fresh start elsewhere — so he doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be here. But the former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee for the Colts clearly values this community.

Two Sundays ago, on April 19, I ran into him sitting courtside for the Indy Ignite game against Dallas Pulse in Fishers. He’s also frequently attended Pacers and Fever games.

Moore choked up and grew emotional when reflecting on his time here.

It’s been so welcoming over the course of these nine years in this community. One thing that I’ll definitely take away, that’s one of my favorite memories, is teaching eight graders life skills and learning the curriculum around it and just seeing them thrive and giving me a headache at the same time, but I can’t help a headache too. (laughs)

Just putting myself in a position as an educator or a teacher is — I don’t think teachers get enough credit for what they do.

I’ve been able to meet so many great people over the course of Indianapolis, but the one that hits home for me … [pause to collect himself, and the crowd applauded in support]

It’s been the families that I’ve been able to meet. I think for me, I’ve always tried to find comfort wherever I’ve been in life and being here in Indianapolis since 2017, I met a couple families that have made me feel at home so I kind of adopted this place and Indianapolis adopted me. It feels like a hometown, so yeah, Indiana will always have a special place in my heart.

We most often see these players in their element — on the hardwood or the field. But this is just another example of a player opening up and sharing human feelings.

Don’t forget that.

Damiris Dantas Arrives

Fever reserve center Damiris Dantas is ready for her third summer in Indianapolis — but first, she needed an approved work visa.

That requirement delayed her arrival, which finally came over the weekend.

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Fever reserve center Damiris Dantas is ready for her third summer in Indianapolis — but first, she needed an approved work visa.

That requirement delayed her arrival, which finally came over the weekend.

“DD had a great offseason,” head coach Stephanie White said before practice. “She’s been playing great. She looks great. I heard that yesterday she shot …

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After prioritizing health this offseason, depth quickly followed on the Indiana Fever’s checklist. The two often go hand-in-hand, and last season proved how fragile that balance can be.

For how the Fever want to play — and with their expectations — a complete, reliable 12-player roster is essential.

They opened their three-game preseason slate Saturday in New York against a talented, taller Liberty team. Indiana led most of the way, building a double-digit advantage just over six minutes in and topping the century mark in a 109-91 victory.

Kelsey Mitchell scored 18 points in 17 minutes, veteran addition Shatori Walker-Kimbrough added 18 off the bench, and rookie guard Raven Johnson impressed with six points (3-for-3), eight assists, and zero turnovers in 18 minutes.

Every player flashed something.

Johnson’s two chase-down blocks stood out as much as her ball-handling and playmaking. Justine Pissott confidently knocked down two 3-pointers, and Jessica Timmons (10 points) reached double figures — both showing how they can contribute.

Most notably, Caitlin Clark appeared in her first WNBA game since last July. She wasted no time, scoring on a floater 14 seconds in, then knocking down a step-back 3-pointer one minute later. Sophie Cunningham added her first of three 3s as the Fever jumped out to an 8-0 lead.

Clark said pregame she was excited to be back out there.

“I think any time you get to put on your uniform and lace up your shoes, you don’t take that for granted,” she said. “Especially having come off last year, and how I didn’t really get to do that very much.

“Coming into this game, just a lot of excitement, not a ton of nerves. Just get out there, run around, it’s gonna be probably a little sloppy here and there for both teams. That’s kind of what preseason games are about.

“And everybody’s just trying to get their footing again; same goes for me too. So I think obviously, I can rely on the USA Basketball stuff that I did. And that experience of getting back out there and my body feeling good, and bring that into today.”

And it was the first time we’ve seen this fast-paced team at their best all season. Training camp viewing for media has been limited to stretching, drills, and light shooting — so this was encouraging to see.

The Fever attempted 11 more shots than New York, committed just 12 turnovers despite a lot of minutes for reserves, and turned 24 Liberty turnovers into 29 points.

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The biggest weakness was their interior defense. New York found success inside early, though points in the paint evened out at 46-46. The issue wasn’t just size — it was perimeter breakdowns and inconsistent help defense.

As expected in a preseason opener, starters saw limited second-half minutes. The Fever kept their starters around 18 minutes — about half the game.

Damiris Dantas has yet to join the team as she awaits her work visa. Aliyah Boston (right lower leg), Lexie Hull (hamstring), and newcomer Ty Harris were also held out due to injuries.

With Boston out, Myisha Hines-Allen started at the four and Monique Billings shifted to the 5.

Boston and Hull’s absences were precautionary. We’ve seen both Boston and Hull in camp every day.

“Just tightness,” head coach Stephanie White said pregame. “We’ve practiced five practices — and there’s really no reason to throw everybody out there. I think for us, getting eyes on new players, getting the new players that are in our system reps is gonna be important.

“It’s a long season and so making sure that we’re ready for the regular season. It’s gonna be a really good opportunity for us to evaluate some of our talent and for people to get to different positions. “

Harris, however, is on “a different level of return-to-play,” White said. The Indy product underwent left knee surgery nearly 11 months ago and has said she feels fully healthy.

She previously played under White in Connecticut and noted familiarity with the system, but the best way to build chemistry with teammates is on the court — so being out there is important.

The Fever have two preseason games remaining before their May 9 opener.

There’s still work to be done — but the first outing offered a strong early glimpse of their depth and tempo.

Watch my postgame recap below:

Good afternoon and welcome back to Fieldhouse Files.

It’s been a busy, productive week full of interviews and evaluation with the Indiana Fever. Don’t worry, Pacers fans — I will have plenty of content for you soon.

The first week of a season is a combination of information and interview overload, combined with a curiosity for what this team may look like — from players’ offseason development to rotations, minute allotment, and playing style.

Are you ready for it?

After five days of camp, the Fever departed Indianapolis Friday afternoon headed to New York for their first of three preseason games. This is their only one on the road.

“I like the fact that we have three preseason games, just to get a sense of what a game flow is going to be like, what healthy bodies get a sense of where we are from an endurance standpoint and a substitution pattern standpoint,” said Stephanie White, who enters her second season as Fever head coach (again). “So it’s just as much for us as coaches as it is for players.”

The coaching staff approached Friday’s practice like they would the day before a regular-season game. There was some film review and game-planning before they took the floor. However, because it’s an exhibition game and minutes will be more evenly distributed, they did more live play than they normally would before a game.

White plans to give everyone some minutes at Barclays Center vs. New York.

“Want to try to work some rotations, some combinations, see what they look like on both ends of the floor — making sure we start to find rotations that can be as good on the offensive end, equally as good on the defensive end,” she said.

“We’ll probably run it very similar in the first half, and then in the second half, kind of get people some minutes.”

White knows what the returning players look like, though it’s been almost a year since she’s seen them all on the court together due to injuries.

“You can feel the excitement,” said guard Lexie Hull.

“It’s good to get live reps, game reps, get a chance to really understand how the warmups go, what makes you feel good, what makes you feel ready for the game.

“And then in the game, I’m sure we’ll mix up the lineup so we’re building chemistry out there with everybody. But ultimately, it’s to win. I think there’ll be a lot of competitiveness first preseason game of the season.”

Who, among the newcomers, has jumped out in camp?

“I mean, honestly, all of them,” Hull said. “I’ve been very impressed with their willingness to learn, willingness to take feedback, ask questions. They’ve gotten better every single day. And I think that’s just, they came from great college programs, great college coaches, and they’re excited to be here. And I think you can really tell that.”

That’s encouraging. And you could tell in the Fever’s approach to free agency that they weren’t just looking for talent, but fit. They valued the unselfishness of last year’s group, chemistry that refused to break even as things went dark — and player after player went on the injury report. Almost 20 different players saw action last season, including a few who joined late from overseas.

Saturday’s game, which will be televised nationally on ION at 3 p.m. ET, will be their first test. But let’s call it more of a quiz. It’s without consequences and it’s to get them prepared for a strong 44-game season. Opening day isn’t until May 9th.

Like the Fever, the Liberty are among the favorites to win it all come the fall. Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Satou Sabally & more. This team will be a real challenge because of their talent and size — with the majority of their players being at least 6-foot.

The Fever are a smaller team, especially in the backcourt. They want to play fast, run at every opportunity, share the ball, and for players to confidently shoot open shots without hesitation.

For the rookies and newcomers, White told them to be who they are. There’s a reason why the Fever wanted them in camp.

“We expect that there’s going to be some nerves,” she said. “We expect that there’s going to be a little bit of scatteredness to everything that they do. But be who you are. Have fun. Enjoy this experience. It’s a preseason game.”

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🗓️ Preseason Dates

1. Sat., April 25 at New York Liberty | 3 p.m. ET

2. Thu., April 30 v Dallas Wings | 7 p.m. ET

3. Sat., May 2 v Nigeria Women’s National Team | 7 p.m. ET

Click here to watch every interview from media day.

News and Notes

• Indiana made several new staff hires centered on player health. More on that soon.

• Kelsey Mitchell, who was one of a few players in the league to sign a supermax ($1.4M) contract, is a sneaker free agent. She’s previously worn Nike, including on Day 1 of camp. But on media day, she wore Tyrese Haliburton’s signature Puma shoe and continued in camp.

• Notable to me that GM Amber Cox has been the front-facing member of the front office.

• Former WNBA coach Dan Hughes was a guest at their first practice.

• WNBA legend Cheryl Miller, now an analyst for NBC, attended practice on Thursday.

• The league is celebrating its 30th season this season. Remarkable to consider how on Friday, it marked exactly 30 years since the NBA Board of Governors announced the approval of a new league. Click here for that press release.

• Plan accordingly for Opening Day: The team is planning to host parties on the plaza, outside The Fieldhouse at Morris Bicentennial Plaza, beginning after Game 1 of the season vs. the Dallas Wings. It’s a free party with live music, themed drinks, games (like yard pong, corn hole, Connect Four), plus drinks and food on-site.

• The other five dates planned: May 30, June 12, June 20, July 19, Aug. 8.

• The Pacers’ schedule is down on the Schedule Wall — and the Fever’s 2026 schedule will be up soon.

Caitlin Clark is Healthy and Ready to Go

It’s been more than nine months since Clark last played in a WNBA game due to injuries. Being in multiple camps with USA Basketball, then playing in five games at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament (and being named MVP), was significant because entering the final month before training camp, Clark could turn the page.

The final leg of her offseason could become about getting better and prepping for the season rather than about rehab and recovery, which she did more than ever before.

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After three days of practice, the Indiana Fever took a break from basketball to complete a necessary step before every season: media day.

It has, however, evolved into more of a content day for teams — featuring headshots, promotional photo and video shoots, broadcast and in-house television interviews, and production for the intro video, and more.

There are more than two dozen stations for players to rotate through.

One of those stops includes interviews with local media.

General manager Amber Cox kicked off the day shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday, followed by head coach Stephanie White.

From there, each of the 16 players took turns at the microphone, answering questions from local reporters. The lone absence was Damiris Dantas, who has yet to report to camp due to work visa issues.

The most viral moment from the day came from Caitlin Clark — surprise, surprise — after she turned the camera on reporters and requested a group photo.

The Fever’s first of three preseason games is Saturday afternoon in New York. Then, they open up the regular season at home against the Dallas Wings on May 9.

Every interview is in a separate media player. And if you’d prefer to sit back and watch them all in one place, you can do so as well.

Returning Players

Newcomers

Draft Picks (3)

Training Camp Deals

Reporters began arriving at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 9 a.m. Wednesday as the Indiana Fever hosted its annual media day. Cameras were set up and ready to go at the southwest corner of Salesforce Court, one of more than a dozen stations each player would rotate through.

Caitlin Clark was the second player to speak, and all eyes were on the All-Star guard. How was she feeling health-wise? What did she think of the team’s offseason moves? Would she be playing more off the ball?

Clark — who is just 24 but handles each question with the ease of a seasoned veteran — talked for nine minutes. And throughout the entire session, she held a classic camera in her hands.

A silver Contax T2 film camera.

It was a different kind of accessory for a media day setting, though photography has become a recent hobby. Clark picked it up last summer while sidelined due to injury, and last month she even took a courtside photographer’s seat at a Pacers-Lakers game to capture photos.

At the end of her interview, Clark flipped the script and made one request to the more than 33 reporters gathered in a tight media scrum.

She wanted a group photo.

“Oh wait, I have a question,” she said. “Can you guys all go stand over there? I’m going to get you on my film camera. Ok? You can be featured.

“You guys always take photos of me, so go over there, act like you like each other. And you’re going to smile for me, OK? Smile a bit.”

Like any true photographer, she 1) had a vision, 2) offered words of encouragement, and 3) motioned for the group to move closer together.

“Alright, if some of you don’t make it, don’t be mad at me,” she added before taking several shots. “You don’t want to squeeze in. They’re not going to bite.”

Before moving on to her next station, Clark added: “Thank you, guys. I’ll send it to you.”

It was a memorable media day moment that quickly circulated online — as so many things involving The Needle tend to do.

Or, perhaps it’s another State Farm moment?

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Watch her full interview below.

Click here to watch every interview from Fever Media Day.

It was just one week ago that Kelsey Mitchell made history, becoming the first player in WNBA history to sign a seven-figure contract. The Fever signed her to the new supermax, worth 20% of the salary cap ($1.4 million).

Drafted second overall by Indiana in 2018, Mitchell is entering her ninth season — and the organization would like her to finish her career in Indianapolis.

But Mitchell has another contract up — her shoe and apparel deal.

She has previously been a Nike athlete, but told Fieldhouse Files on Wednesday that she is now a sneaker free agent.

Mitchell wore a pair of purple Nike shoes on the first day of training camp, but for media day on Wednesday, she switched things up — appearing in Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton’s signature Puma shoes.

The model: the Hali 1 ‘Halucinating,’ a colorway inspired by Haliburton’s unpredictable year and his shift back to form as he prepares for next season.

The release only became available last month.

Could Mitchell make a similar move — from Nike to Puma?

“I love Tyrese Haliburton as a person, even more as a player. I’m just kind of like figuring some things out and trying some things out. But I said, ‘Why not?’

“In the city of Indianapolis, with a guy like Tyrese Haliburtions and all of the things he’s done for the Pacers, it was only right to see where I’m at.

“Puma feels really good today, so shout-out to Tyrese.”

Mitchell is coming off a career season with the Fever, finishing fifth in MVP voting while leading the team to Game 5 of the semifinals in Las Vegas before her body gave out.

Watch her full interview from media day below.

For the past two years, since taking over as CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Mel Raines has made it a priority to make Indianapolis the women’s sports capital of the world.

She brought back Kelly Krauskopf, the original architect of the Indiana Fever — someone instrumental in the WNBA’s growth on both the basketball and business sides. They agreed to host WNBA All-Star Weekend last year for the first time after the league reached out for help. They began construction on a new $78 million, world-class training center for the Fever that takes into consideration players’ basketball and personal needs.

Then, over the past week, they made history — twice — with player salaries.

After extending a Core qualifying offer to Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever signed her to a one-year supermax contract worth $1.4 million. Mitchell, already the highest-paid player last season (at $250,000), became the first player to sign for 20% of the new salary cap under the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Five days later, the Fever signed three-time All-Star center Aliyah Boston to a contract extension using the new Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) provision in the CBA. The rule provides an accelerated pathway to maximum contracts for star players still on rookie deals.

The EPIC provision is available to players named All-WNBA First or Second Team, or league MVP, within their first three seasons. Both Boston and Caitlin Clark check that box.

Boston, who made about $83,000 last season, was set to earn more than $500,000 this year — a significant increase under the new CBA. Instead, she signed a four-year extension worth an estimated $6.3 million, including $1 million in 2026.

The announcement came late Friday evening, but once again, it was the Fever making history — this time with the largest contract in WNBA history.

“She’s been a foundational piece of the Indiana Fever since she was drafted here in 2023,” said Fever GM and COO Amber Cox. “We’re thrilled to be able to reward her with this new contract and make history, and most importantly, lock her in as a cornerstone of the Fever for years to come.

“There is not a better person to go down in history as the first recipient of this type of groundbreaking agreement.”

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With a salary cap of $7 million, the Fever now have two players earning seven figures this season.

“I was super blessed,” Boston said. “God is great, man! Just to be here, be with the Fever, get that extension, I’m super excited about it. Pretty much once CBA was finalized, my agent handled all that. I just sit back, watch a good show and wait for him to call me.”

And what a call that must’ve been.

The front office, coaches, and players had been preparing for free agency for months. Mitchell, Boston, and Lexie Hull were all at Unrivaled, where many of those conversations took place. The Fever coaching staff — along with Clark — also spent time there. They worked out, shared meals, spent time together, and strengthened relationships.

“I asked Lexie — we sat at the table a couple times together,” Mitchell shared. “We knew we had to make it make sense. We knew that we wanted to be together. So that was the easy part — sit down and break bread with the people that you enjoy playing the game with.

“We talked about making sacrifices for each other. We talked about being what we needed to be for each other.”

Mitchell averaged a career-high 20.2 points last season and finished fifth in MVP voting. “She further cemented her legacy last season, and we hope her return underscores how much she is valued by our entire organization,” Cox said.

Boston didn’t hesitate when asked about Mitchell becoming the league’s first million-dollar player.

“As she should be,” she said. “Period.

“I love Kelsey. Her dedication to this franchise has just been so crucial and she’s a big part as to why we even made it so far last year, especially with C being out. For her to get that money, I’m so proud of her.”

Added Clark: “Nobody more deserving. Really happy for her and happy that she gets to spend more time here because these fans really love her. This organization really loves her and I’ve loved getting to play with her every single second. She’s not only a great basketball player, but one of my good friends. So really happy to celebrate her.”

The Fever have a Big Three in Mitchell, Boston, and Clark. But this will be the final season they’re not all earning maximum salaries. Next year, Mitchell will again be a free agent, and Clark will be extension-eligible.

Can they commit 60% of the cap to three players? That’s a question for another day — but it helps explain why most of their other free-agent deals were for one year. Flexibility matters.

“It’s just baffling hearing those numbers,” said head coach Stephanie White, who played for the Fever from 2000-04. “It’s crazy. I’m so thankful that this league is where we are right now — to still be a part of it and to see these things come to fruition.

“These players deserve it. They have they have been a part of a tidal wave of changing the landscape of the game. I’m thankful that they are living in this moment. And I’m thankful that I’m still part of it.”

No one has experienced the organization’s evolution more than Mitchell, who was drafted second overall in 2018. White is her fifth head coach. The team won six games her rookie year. They practiced at D1 Training and played home games at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Hinkle Fieldhouse during Gainbridge Fieldhouse renovations. At times, only one concession stand was open.

She remembers earning $60,000 and knowing what it’s like to not really have money.

“I had to go stay with my parents for my first five years of my career,” she said. “So it’s humbling. You think about where you came from and where you’re at right now, and be like, “Shit, I guess I deserve to be here.” But I’ve embraced it.

“People think I’m rich, but I don’t know why.”

After posting just 49 wins across her first six seasons, the Fever have won 44 games over the past two years since Clark’s arrival.

They’re building something special — on the court and in the community.

Road games feel like home games.
Home games are sellouts and an expensive ticket.
Every game is available on TV, almost all airing on national TV.

They’re not just growing a brand — they’re helping lead the women’s sports movement. Just how Raines, Krauskopf, and others inside PS&E had hoped.

“Indy is just such a fun place to be,” said Boston, who enters her fourth season. “I think basketball that we’re playing here is great basketball. The people that we have here, this franchise, is amazing and I love playing with them.”

Mitchell acknowledged that she considered other options, but she kept being drawn back to Fever land.

“For all the right reasons, I knew Fever was a priority,” she said. “I knew that I wanted to kind of be a Fever girl again in a certain way. My relationships that I built with AB, CC, and even like Lexie and Sophie and all those guys — it was family vibes. So I couldn’t shake it and let it go.”

Now, she’s in the process of buying her first home.

When momentum toward a supermax deal began, she had a simple thought: “Damn, I get that money back.”

But more than anything, she kept coming back to gratitude.

The past two seasons have taken a toll. She lost her father before the 2024 season, and last year, she pushed her body to the limit — eventually being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. After numerous IVs, along with CT scans for review, she was cleared and feeling 100% a few weeks later.

Does that change her approach?

“Hell no,” she said.

There was room for humor, too — Mitchell smiling at the shifting market while appreciating where she stands in it.

“I don’t know if it’s league history after I see everybody else’s numbers now,” she said with a grin. “But I was grateful. It was humbling for me and my family. You guys know what I’ve been going through the last two or three years.

“It’s humbling because you see those kind of numbers and you don’t think it’s possible.”

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The sun was shining in downtown Indianapolis on Sunday, a cool spring day.

Driving south into downtown, the Indiana Fever’s new $78 million practice facility has taken shape. The final beam was recently installed, and at this time next year, the sounds will come from inside — sneakers on the floor and players communicating.

Instead, that energy was two blocks away on Salesforce Court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

It’s the 30th season of the WNBA, and this Fever team, led by Caitlin Clark, is the most popular and talked-about group in the league. That’s why Clark didn’t shy away from saying they’ll be championship favorites — even back in March, before the draft and free agency.

Sunday marked Day 1 of training camp, with players getting acclimated on the court. New practice jerseys hung along the sideline, and each player stopped by to grab their preferred size.

The anticipation is high for this season, as is the relief that they’ve reached this point. A new Collective Bargaining Agreement was finalized one month ago, though the full language is still being completed by lawyers.

Teams got what they want in having a season while players are enjoying revenue sharing for the first time, along with significant increases in salary and benefits.

In less than three weeks, the WNBA completed an expansion draft, free agency, and the draft. Now, it all comes together.

“Everything’s kind of been a whirlwind, as it’s been across the league,” said Stephanie White, who enters her second season as Fever head coach. “To be able to finally get on the floor, it’s an exciting time.”

Players arrived in Indianapolis throughout the past week and gathered as a full group for the first time on Friday. There were smiles, hugs, and reunions — along with introductions.

White’s message to the group was simple: protect the locker room and all that made for a special ride last postseason, and take another step. Show up ready to work and make progress daily. Never stray from the standard, which centers on their ‘we over me’ mentality.

“We’re going to continue to prioritize the locker room and the chemistry in the locker room and the continuity,” White said. “And we have to expect more of ourselves on a daily basis. It’s about consistency, it’s about how we do the work and it’s about putting ourselves in position for success.”

The Fever signed MVP finalist Kelsey Mitchell to the WNBA’s first supermax contract, worth $1.4 million. They re-signed fan favorites Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham. They added key free agent Monique Billings and drafted point guard Raven Johnson. Most importantly, Clark is healthy.

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For the past three weeks, it’s been go, go, go for the Indiana Fever front office.

A new Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached, and by the start of April, an expansion draft for two new franchises was completed.

Then came free agency.

Then the WNBA Draft.

On Thursday, the front office was joined by the coaching staff, All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, and other members of Pacers Sports & Entertainment for a different kind of build.

This one was special — impacting the lives of one Indianapolis family for years to come.

The Fever teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to begin a months-long project, building a three-bedroom, two-bath home from the ground up for a single mother, Paris, and her son, Mason.

“Homeownership will mean the world to me because it represents something my mother always wanted for our family. Growing up in a single parent household, she did everything she could with the resources she had,” Paris said. “Now, as a single mother myself, I would love the opportunity to give me and my son stability — somewhere to call home for more than two to three years at a time.”

Normally, a hardwood basketball court covers the event level at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. But on this day, it was concrete — along with piles of lumber throughout the space. Team employees split into groups, rolling up their sleeves to hammer nails and assemble framing that will eventually become Paris’ home.

“Congrats Paris! Love, the Fever!” Caitlin Clark wrote on one of the wooden beats.

“Welcome home Paris and Mason,” head coach Stephanie White added.

After instructions were given, Fever GM and COO Amber Cox turned to the group and offered one lighthearted reminder: “Thanks so much for being here today. I see Caitlin standing behind me — please keep the hammers and nails out of her hands. The number one word for this year is health. We’re going to stay healthy heading into the season.”

Clark swung a hammer once — just a single nail — and that was enough.

Training camp starts on Sunday.

“We’ve always been about giving back and staying connected to our community,” Cox said. “The really wonderful thing is that as we grow, we can do bigger and better things.

“So it’s really cool to be able to team up with Habitat, to be able to, work alongside our fans, all of our employees, players. Everybody’s gonna touch this over the course of the season. To be able to do this, for this deserving family, means a lot and we hope it’s something that we can make an annual tradition.”

The event, supported by State Farm, is part of the Fever Fund, which focuses on uplifting families and empowering girls and women across Indiana. Bailey Johnson, senior community engagement manager at Pacers Sports & Entertainment, helped organize the effort.

“We’re in our 39th year doing our work, carrying out our mission of building homes, communities, and hope,” said Jim Morris, CEO and President of Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. “You really represent bringing that hope into this space.

“We should be kind of exhausted as a community coming off the Final Four, but that Hoosier hospitality spirit is really welcome and really on display in what we’re doing.”

Go behind the scenes at the build, and hear from White, Cox, and Morris in the video below:

The project will continue throughout the summer, with hopes of completion this fall — potentially in October.

“I know it’s big business now,” White said of the WNBA, “but in our hearts, it’s grassroots. It’s about community, it’s about giving back and it’s about impacting on a bigger stage.”

She then pointed to former WNBA players now within the organization — including Tamika Catchings, Tully Bevilaqua, Briann January, and Karima Christmas-Kelly — who had participated in similar builds during their playing careers.

White thanked staff members who dedicated time during the workday to help, then turned to Paris with a message.

“It’s important,” White said. “It’s at the heart of who we are as an organization. It’s at the heart of who we are as the WNBA and in the bigger picture, being able to impact beyond basketball is really important.”

Sporting events often serve as an outlet — a place to set aside the stresses of everyday life and come together in support of a team.

On this day, it was the Pacers Sports & Entertainment family coming together to make sure Paris got a win.

“We are in the business of basketball,” Cox said. “We want to win, we want to hang banners. But what we do impacts so many people beyond that. We want to inspire and we want to create positive change.

“That’s always been at the heart of the WNBA, of the Indiana Fever, and of this organization and that really starts with our ownership — and the Simon family.

“It’s a great feeling that we get to be involved in it.”

Photos

(And more, courtesy of Pacers Sports & Entertainment)

Once the Indiana Fever re-signed four of their own players — headlined by guards Kelsey Mitchell signing the first supermax under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, worth $1.4 million — they turned to free agency to continue building out their roster.

The latest two additions, whose signings sandwiched the 2026 WNBA Draft, are veteran players who won the 2019 WNBA championship with the Washington Mystics.

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As the Indiana Fever prepare for a new season, it’s already clear how last season influenced the roster construction ahead of training camp on Sunday.

After a season defined by injuries — one that required countless hardship exceptions and saw 18 different players take the floor — adding reliable backcourt depth became a priority.

The Fever re-signed guards Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Sophie Cunningham, added Ty Harris in free agency, and then used their first-round pick on another former South Carolina point guard.

At 8:03 p.m. ET on Monday, more than 500 MVP season-ticket holders sat at tables inside the entry pavilion at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, part of a special event to usher in the 2026 WNBA season.

Many rose to their feet when the selection was shown on a large video board. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the Fever had selected Raven Johnson with the No. 10 pick.

Both general manager Amber Cox and head coach Stephanie White made clear they’ve moved on and don’t want to look back.

“What injuries?” Cox asked rhetorically. “We’re putting all of that behind us. We’re not thinking about any of that.”

Caitlin Clark, Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, Cunningham, and Mitchell were all guards who suffered injuries that kept them from finishing the season.

(Also, in the most important update of the night: I asked Cox how Aliyah Boston is doing in her recovery from an injury at Unrivaled. “Aliyah’s doing great. Ready to go,” she said.)

Given what unfolded last year, highlighted by All-WNBA talent Caitlin Clark suffering an injury a few days into training camp and then only being available for 13 games, the philosophy was clear: strengthen the backcourt.

The top three picks came as expected — Azzi Fudd (UConn) to Dallas, Olivia Miles (TCU) to Minnesota, and Awa Fam Thiam (Spain) to Seattle — though the order remained uncertain.

When the Fever made their selection, Cox and White had already left the draft room to join fans two levels up — a rare public moment during a pivotal offseason decision.

“When we are going through the list and you’re charting at the very top of who you think is gonna go where, we really thought Raven was gonna be in that upper half of the first round,” Cox shared. “We knew if we had the opportunity, we were gonna take her.

“Yes, best available — but also a great fit.”

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The Indiana Fever added another South Carolina Gamecocks product to the roster, selecting point guard Raven Johnson with the 10th pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Johnson was a finalist for the Dawn Staley Award, given annually to the nation’s top guard. She played under Dawn Staley at South Carolina from 2021–26.

A starter in every game over the past two seasons, Johnson averaged 9.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game during her final year. She shot 48.6% from the field, including 39.8% from 3-point range.

She has been the head of the snake for one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, a starter the last three years helping the Gamecocks remain a regular Final Four team.

Johnson, 23, was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was a two-time Miss Basketball in Georgia (2020, 2021).

“When we saw that she was gonna be available at 10, we were absolutely thrilled to bring her here, to add her to our backcourt depth, to reunite her with Aliyah Boston,” said Fever COO and GM Amber Cox to a crowd of more than 500 season-ticket holders at their draft party held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

“Home run tonight. Home run.”

Johnson was one of 15 players invited to attend the draft, held at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. After walking across the stage and being greeted by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Johnson spoke with reporters at a post-draft press conference.

Read what she had to say below. Questions are in bold.

You’ve been the engine for the most dominant program in the country, basically. How has your experience in high-stakes NCAA basketball prepared you to run a professional offense from day one?

Yeah, it’s crazy, honestly. You’re talking about a team that could possibly win the championship. I think it’s crazy. But they have a lot of vets I can learn from. And they’re winners. Everybody on that team likes to win. I think that’s what makes that team special.

So to go to a program like that that has the same mentality of me as winning is phenomenal.

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Makayla Timpson, the Indiana Fever’s No. 19 overall pick in 2025, sits down with Pat Boylan during the team’s 2026 draft party for MVP season-ticket holders, held on April 13 in the entry pavilion at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

In the conversation, Timpson reflects on her rookie season and the Fever’s resilient playoff run that came within one overtime session of the WNBA Finals, detailing how the team navigated injuries, roster changes, and outside doubt by leaning on chemistry and belief.

She also discusses her approach to carving out a role at the next level — emphasizing the importance of “being a sponge,” learning from veterans, and staying grounded — along with the impact of teammates like Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston.

Timpson shares what draft night meant to her one year ago, what it was like stepping onto the floor in front of a packed home crowd night after night, and why she believes the Fever have the pieces to take another step this season.

The discussion also touches on the league’s growth, the significance of the new CBA, and the continued rise of women’s basketball — a moment Timpson says she’s grateful to be part of early in her career.

Another Indiana basketball team is getting a McConnell.

Free-agent guard Megan McConnell — younger sister of Pacers guard T. J. McConnell — signed a training camp contract with the Indiana Fever. The non-guaranteed deal gives the second-year guard an opportunity to continue her basketball career in Indianapolis.

The Fever signed Martinsville, Ind., native Kayana Traylor to a camp deal as well.

She began her college career at Purdue University (2018–21) and finished at Virginia Tech (2021–23), where she averaged 11.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game during her fifth season.

Traylor was selected 23rd overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky.

Both players played five years of college basketball.

McConnell, a Pittsburgh native, spent all five seasons at Duquesne University. (Her brother, T.J., played two seasons there from 2010–12 before transferring to the University of Arizona to play for coach Sean Miller for two seasons.)

She’s coming off a productive season overseas, averaging 11.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game with the Bendigo Spirit in Australia.

After going undrafted last year, McConnell signed with the Phoenix Mercury — and later attended a game wearing her brother’s Pacers jersey during the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. (She appeared in just one game due to a right knee injury.)

“I love my sister dearly,” he told Fieldhouse Files then. “I'm so proud of everything she's accomplished. So when she made the team, I was at a loss for words, almost cried.”

The Mercury rushed a jersey to T.J., who wore Megan’s jersey upon arrival for Game 1 of the Finals.

“I tried to get that jersey as quickly as I could so I could wear it and honor her and show her how proud of her I am,” T.J. said. “And I'm grateful for the Mercury organization sending that over as quickly as they did. Doing that is something very special for me and my family.”

Megan McConnell is a 5-foot-7, defensive-minded guard who was named Atlantic 10 First Team and Defensive Player of the Year in her final season at Duquesne. She also stood out at the 2025 College All-Star Game in Tampa during Final Four weekend.

Like his sister, T.J. McConnell — now 34 — went undrafted in 2015. He earned multiple contracts with the Philadelphia 76ers, then signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2019. He has since re-signed multiple times and is entering his seventh season in Indiana, where his two children were born.

While Megan’s contract is non-guaranteed, T.J.’s four-year extension runs through the 2028–29 season, with a team option in the final year.

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Meanwhile, Traylor is a 5-foot-9 guard who appeared in eight games with the Minnesota Lynx during the 2023 season. She also played in Athletes Unlimited and has competed internationally in Africa, France, Israel and Turkey.

Her mother, Danielle, played at Louisiana State University.

These two signings bring the Fever to 11 players ahead of training camp, which opens April 19.

But first, the 2026 WNBA Draft will be held Monday night in New York City.

The Indiana Fever continue to build their roster over the weekend. By Sunday morning, they had two more players signed and ready to go for the upcoming 2026 season.

Guard Sophie Cunningham and center Damiris Dantas re-signed with the Fever, which now gives them eight players under contract. Free agent guard Ty Harris, and Indy product, will make it nine.

By the start of the regular season, teams are required to carry 12 players. New this year, each team may also sign up to two players to development spots.

Cunningham, 29, was acquired by the Fever last offseason after spending her first six seasons in Phoenix. A Midwest native who attended Missouri, she values being close to friends and family.

“We had a really special group last year and it was an incredible first season for me in Indy,” she said. “I loved everything about my teammates and the Fever organization.

“We fought through a ton of adversity, and it was important to me that we have a chance to see through what we started. I have a feeling this is going to be another special season, so I’m excited to get things started and to, of course, keep playing in front of the best fans in the WNBA. Let’s get spicy!”

Cunningham suffered a torn MCL in her right knee last August but appears to be fully recovered. In videos posted to Instagram, she has been running miles on country roads, and she told Fieldhouse Files last November that she felt great and was ahead of schedule.

She shot a career-high 43.2% from 3-point range last season while averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. She also embraces a physical style of play, welcoming her reputation as an enforcer.

“We are thrilled to have Sophie back with the Fever and are grateful for her commitment to return and build on what we started a year ago. Not only is Sophie one of the best three-point shooters in the league, but she is an exceptional teammate, both on and off the court,” said Fever COO and GM Amber Cox said. “She plays with infectious energy that impacts not only our team, but our fanbase as well.”

Cunningham also had a productive offseason off the court. She continues to grow her “Show Me Showing” podcast, added endorsement deals, and will be a contributor on USA Sports during the WNBA season.

She did not play in another league over the offseason.

(Click here to watch Cunningham’s exit interview — on the season, her injury, officiating, negotiating a new CBA & more.)

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Meanwhile, this will be Dantas’ third consecutive season with Indiana.

A veteran who began her WNBA career in 2014 with Minnesota, Dantas averaged 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in just over 11 minutes per game off the bench last season.

“We are very excited to welcome DD back to the Fever this season,” Cox said. “She is coming off another strong offseason overseas, and we are looking forward to her continuing to be a valuable contributor for us.

“In addition to everything she brings on the court, DD is a fantastic teammate, contributing to the special culture we want to continue to build.”

Dantas spent the offseason playing for Botas SK in Turkey. She averaged 18.4 points per game, the fourth most in the Women’s Basketball Super League.

Up next: The WNBA Draft is Monday. The Fever hold three selections: 10, 25, 40.

Projected Fever Depth Chart

• Caitlin Clark, Ty Harris

• Kelsey Mitchell

• Lexie Hull, Sophie Cunningham

• Monique Billings, Makayla Timpson

• Aliyah Boston, Damiris Dantas

*Plus, they have three draft selections.

Note: I don’t want to overload your inbox so be sure to check FieldhouseFiles.com for the latest.

"I’m really excited for this next chapter with the Indiana Fever. Being back in Indy means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to join an organization that’s building something special,” she said. “I’m focused on continuing to grow, bringing energy every day, and doing whatever it takes to help this team win.”

GM Amber Cox: “We're excited to add Ty to our backcourt. She is a dynamic guard who will add depth to our rotation. She brings great experience, not only playing in the league, but for our coaching staff as well. On a personal note, it’s incredibly special to bring Ty back home to Indy where she will now be able to play in front of family and friends in a Fever jersey.”

She will wear No. 52.

The Indiana Fever plan to sign free agent guard Tyasha Harris, a league source confirmed to Fieldhouse Files.

Harris, 27, is a 5-foot-10 guard who will play off the bench at point guard. She appeared in just five games last season with Dallas before suffering a left knee injury that required surgery.

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The Indiana Fever signed free agent forward Monique Billings on Saturday.

It was completed after the team finalized deals to bring back two of their own, Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull.

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