If anyone deserves the WNBA supermax contract, it’s definitely Kelsey Mitchell. Since being drafted in 2018, she’s been with the Indiana Fever and has grown into a core part of the franchise. Now, with a record-setting $1.4 million supermax deal keeping her in Indiana, even NBA stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin are taking notice, publicly celebrating her return to the Fever.

Both NBA stars delivered their congratulatory messages in a video shared on the Indiana Fever page. “Kelsey, my girl, congratulations on signing a supermax,” Haliburton said in the video. “Welcome back to the squad. So excited that you are here, can’t wait to see what you and the ladies do this season.” Toppin’s message also followed in the same spirit, saying: “What’s going on, Kelsey. Just wanted to say congratulations on resigning, super excited to have you back here in Indy. Can’t wait to watch you play, Go Fever.”

Being part of a sister franchise through the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton has gone on record multiple times, lending his support vocally for the Fever, especially for Kelsey Mitchell. When she suffered a leg injury during the 2025 WNBA semifinals, he publicly shared messages of support. The same goes for Toppin, who has also been present at Fever games alongside teammates like Ben Sheppard.

Her signing also solidifies the Fever’s core “Big Three” alongside Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston for the 2026 season. Last season, Clark wasn’t fully available due to injury, and the team finished with a 24–20 regular-season record. They did, however, win the Commissioner’s Cup. Now, with Clark fully available alongside Boston and Mitchell, the Fever have a foundation strong enough to build a squad capable of going even further.

And they’ve been making serious moves to build that squad. Apart from Mitchell, the Fever have re-signed Lexie Hull, who started 30 of 44 games last season. They’ve also secured 6’4 forward Monique Billings, who spent the 2025 season with the Golden State Valkyries. The team also holds several high picks in the upcoming WNBA Draft 2026 on Monday, which will further help fill out the roster.

Hopefully, whatever squad they eventually assemble, it all comes together. But with Mitchell now back alongside Clark and Boston, it’s already looking like a better season for Indiana.

Fever General Manager Amber Cox Praises Kelsey Mitchell as a “Foundational Piece” 

For the Indiana Fever, the message surrounding Kelsey Mitchell’s return is clear. This wasn’t just business as usual; it was a priority.

“For nearly a decade, Kelsey has been a foundational piece of the Indiana Fever, and securing her return was our highest priority.” Those were the exact words of General Manager Amber Cox when speaking about Mitchell’s re-signing. And in fact, if not for all the years she has given this franchise, this contract would still be justified by her performance last season.

With Caitlin Clark limited by injury, she practically shouldered the team. She averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game in the regular season and 22.3 points per game in the postseason.

As Amber Cox also said, “She further cemented her legacy last season, and we hope her return underscores how much she is valued by our entire organization.” For her, Mitchell has not only elevated the franchise, but she has also elevated women’s basketball as a whole.

Her return definitely signals a bright season ahead for the Fever. And like Obi Toppin, Fever fans can’t wait to watch her play again.

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