Fever secure core, re-sign Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull
The Indiana Fever finalized a supermax deal with Kelsey Mitchell and retained Lexie Hull in free agency, preserving their young nucleus entering a new CBA era.
The Indiana Fever addressed their top priority to open free agency.
Since the moment the 2025 season ended last September in Las Vegas, the team made it clear it wanted to bring back three-time WNBA All-Star Kelsey Mitchell.
On Monday, the first day qualifying offers could be made, the Fever extended a Core offer to Mitchell.
By Saturday — the first day contracts could be signed — they finalized it, signing Mitchell to keep their core together for another season.
Mitchell. Caitlin Clark. Aliyah Boston. Lexie Hull.
“For nearly a decade, Kelsey has been a foundational piece of the Indiana Fever and securing her return was our highest priority,” said Fever COO and GM Amber Cox.
“Kelsey Mitchell is among the top of a long list of a great athletes who have elevated not only our city and franchise, but their sport as a whole. She further cemented her legacy last season, and we hope her return underscores how much she is valued by our entire organization.”
Mitchell, 30, has experienced the highs and lows with the franchise. She’s coming off a career season, averaging 20.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 45.6% from the field — production that came during a challenging season defined by injuries and roster instability.
She was named an All-Star, earned First Team All-WNBA honors, and finished fifth in MVP voting.
Her durability stands out most. Mitchell played in every game and pushed through physically, including needing assistance late in Game 5 of the semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces due to severe cramping. She was later diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after her muscles reached extreme fatigue.
She took time off afterward, did not play overseas, and later competed in Unrivaled for the first time.
Mitchell signed a one-year deal last January — a strategic decision with a new Collective Bargaining Agreement on the horizon. That CBA was finalized three weeks ago, and as a result, Mitchell is set to earn approximately $1.4 million this season — more than her previous eight seasons combined (about $1.1 million).
Her salary will approach last season’s team salary cap of $1.5 million.
Under the new system, the WNBA salary cap rises to $7 million in 2026, with the supermax set at 20%.
Kelsey Mitchell is now the highest-paid player in Fever franchise history.
Re-signing Mitchell before the 2025 season was the top priority for Stephanie White 17 months ago after she returned as Fever head coach. She put in the work, established mutual respect with Mitchell, and they connected beyond basketball. That played in a big role then, and again in her return.
Lexie Hull Isn’t Going Anywhere Either
Hull had no intention of leaving. As a restricted free agent, the Fever retained matching rights after extending her a qualifying offer Monday.
On Saturday morning, Hull announced in a TikTok video that “she’s back,” while in Augusta, Georgia, attending The Masters with Clark.
Like Mitchell, Hull appeared in all 40 games. She started 30, and her minutes increased from 19.7 to 27 per game in her first season under White. Hull averaged 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
That production came alongside her defensive presence, leadership, and high-motor play.
“Ensuring Lexie’s return was a high priority for us,” Cox said. “She represents the heart of our team, and that was never more evident than in our playoff run last season. She impacts every aspect of the game on both ends of the floor and is a vital member of our core group. We are thrilled to have her back in a Fever uniform.”
Hull also deepened her roots in Indianapolis — buying a home last year, launching a beauty line less than two weeks ago, and preparing for her upcoming wedding.
Returning to the Fever — and continuing to play alongside Clark — was her priority.
"Indy has been my home over the last four years, and there was no other place I could imagine playing right now,” Hull said. “We still have unfinished business, and I’m so excited to continue building on all that we accomplished last season
“I instantly fell in love with the fans during my rookie season and I’ve grown so much during my time here, both in our locker room and in the community. I’m a West Coast girl turned Midwesterner, and I’m ready to do everything I can to bring another WNBA championship to Indianapolis.”
Free agency remains ongoing, and the Fever still have roster needs — particularly on the wing and in the frontcourt alongside Boston.
The team holds the No. 10 pick in each round of the three-round WNBA Draft on Monday. Training camp opens April 19.
Fever Players Under Contract
Teams must have 12 players on their roster for the upcoming season. And new this season, teams also have two player development roster spots.
Aliyah Boston
Caitlin Clark
Makayla Timpson
Kelsey Mitchell
Lexie Hull
I hope we see these five on the court together a lot this year. It will be interesting who else they find for the power forward position in free agency or the draft, but I am hoping Timpson earns significant playing time.
I'm glad Caitlin and Lexie are at the Masters and I hope Sophie joins the fun. I wish you were there too!