Indiana Fever send core qualifying offer to Kelsey Mitchell

The Indiana Fever sent a core qualifying offer to guard Kelsey Mitchell , per the WNBA's transactions log. Similar to the NFL's franchise tag system, sending a core qualifying offer to Mitchell gives her a supermax contract in exchange for exclusive negotiating rights. The contract is automatically a one-year deal, but Mitchell and the Fever can negotiate a longer contract if both parties are interested in an extension.

It should come as no surprise that Mitchell is a top priority for the franchise, given that the front office has made it clear for months that retaining her is the goal, regardless of the new CBA salary implications. As Clark dealt with an eventual season-ending injury , Mitchell kept the Fever afloat. The Indiana Fever have, as expected, sent out a core qualifying offer to Kelsey Mitchell and restricted qualifying offer to Lexie Hull.

It officially gives Mitchell a supermax in exchange for exclusive negotiating rights and makes Hull a restricted free agent. — Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) April 7, 2026 Mitchell averaged 20. 2 points per game last season, which ranked third in the WNBA.

The 5-foot-8 guard helped lead Indiana to the WNBA semifinals. The Fever sending the core qualifying offer to Mitchell doesn't fully guarantee that Mitchell will sign with the Fever for 2026. But, it gives the Fever exclusivity to her rights, ensuring that the franchise would receive something in exchange for her rights should Mitchell request a trade.