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Kelsey Mitchell is facing a major decision this offseason, but Caitlin Clark made it clear Thursday that the Indiana Fever are determined to keep their star guard in Indianapolis.
Clark spoke during her final media session of the season after Mitchell recently discussed the emotional strain of playing under intense public scrutiny. Mitchell said Saturday that showing up every day to compete for fans who may or may not like her can be difficult, particularly as online criticism surrounding the Fever has grown.
Caitlin Clark Delivers Powerful Defense of Kelsey Mitchell
Clark said she has spoken with Mitchell since the season ended and expressed disappointment over the abuse directed at her teammate. The Fever guard described Mitchell as a “good soul” and rejected anyone who uses her name or popularity to promote racism, discrimination or hate.
“As far as people that have used me to demonstrate racist rhetoric or hate or discrimination, that’s not something I stand for,” Clark said. “That’s never been something I’ve stood for. For those of you that know me, you know that’s not what I’m about.”
Clark also connected the situation to a wider conversation in sports, where prominent athletes increasingly face harsh online treatment. She referenced tennis star Coco Gauff, who has also spoken publicly about difficult experiences in the spotlight.
A Critical Free-Agency Decision for Indiana
Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent after completing her ninth WNBA season with Indiana. The guard has spent her entire professional career with the Fever after the team selected her No. 2 overall in the 2018 draft.
Her future has become even more significant after she set the WNBA single-season scoring record. Retaining Mitchell is widely viewed as the Fever’s top offseason priority, although her decision will not be based only on basketball considerations.
Clark said she hopes Mitchell remains part of the organization and emphasized the value of their backcourt partnership.
“There’s nobody I would want to share the backcourt with other than her,” Clark said. “We need her. We love her. I hope for the rest of my career I get to play alongside her.”
The second-year Fever star added that Indiana will work aggressively to convince Mitchell to return. Clark said every player under contract will recruit her, making the free-agency effort a shared priority throughout the roster.
- Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent.
- She has played all nine seasons with Indiana.
- She set the WNBA single-season scoring record.
- Clark views Mitchell as an essential backcourt partner.
- The Fever plan to make retaining her their top priority.
Online Abuse Raises Broader WNBA Concerns
The controversy surrounding Mitchell is part of a larger discussion about fan behavior and the growing attention surrounding the WNBA. Since Clark joined the Fever, the organization has attracted extraordinary interest, along with a vocal group of supporters who have crossed the line into personal attacks.
Other players have also described troubling experiences connected to Indiana fans. A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces was involved in an altercation with a fan during the opening round of the postseason at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Jackie Young, another Aces player, previously criticized the behavior of two courtside fans in Indiana.
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she received death threats and racial slurs after being suspended for one game following contact with Clark’s throat. None of the fans involved in the incidents with Wilson or Young were found to have violated the league’s fan code of conduct.
Fever general manager Amber Cox recently said attacks on the team’s fan base had no basis in reality and needed to stop. Former Fever player Brianna Turner, who serves as treasurer of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, publicly disagreed with that statement.
Clark Chooses Distance From the Noise
Clark said she has largely avoided checking her social-media direct messages because she does not want to absorb the hostility surrounding the team. She acknowledged that the constant attention can be difficult, even after years of learning how to manage the pressure.
At the same time, Clark praised supporters who attend games, respect the players and create a positive atmosphere. She said the league has many genuine fans across the country, not only in Indianapolis, and thanked them for making the season special.
For the Fever, the offseason now carries enormous stakes. Keeping Mitchell would preserve one of the league’s most productive backcourts and give Indiana continuity around Clark. Losing her, however, could force the team to search for a replacement while attempting to build on its growing momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelsey Mitchell
Is Kelsey Mitchell a free agent?
Yes. Kelsey Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent after completing her ninth season with the Indiana Fever.
Why is Kelsey Mitchell important to the Fever?
Mitchell is a proven scorer, a long-time Fever player and a key backcourt partner for Caitlin Clark. She also set the WNBA single-season scoring record.
What did Caitlin Clark say about Mitchell?
Clark called Mitchell a “good soul,” condemned the abuse directed at her and said she hopes to play alongside her for the rest of her career.
What is the Fever’s priority this offseason?
Retaining Mitchell is considered Indiana’s top priority. Clark said the organization and its contracted players will recruit her to return.
