The Indiana Fever could look entirely different in 2027, especially after Kelsey Mitchell’s remarks regarding Caitlin Clark and the franchise’s fanbase.
The Fever dropped out of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs after losing in the first round to the Las Vegas Aces. Mitchell’s final press conference of the season doesn’t make it seem like she’s willing to return next season.
The 2018 first-round pick has spent her entire professional career with the Fever. However, Mitchell took some serious jabs at Clark and Fever fans following her team’s playoff exit, per the Indiana Fever on X.
“Playing with C.C. and having the eyes that she got, we get a lot of flak for just being on her team,” said Mitchell, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham rips A’ja Wilson, doubles down on criticism
Mitchell’s Fever future seems bleak
Kelsey Mitchell does NOT sound like she’ll return to the Indiana Fever:
“Showing up every day to compete for fans that may or may not like you is hard…
“Playing with Clark & having the eyes that she got, we get a lot of flack for just being on her team” https://t.co/OekuqmdWmZ
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) October 4, 2026
The 30-year-old’s shot at Clark, in particular, is interesting just days after the Fever got knocked out of the postseason. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star undoubtedly receives a ton of attention, both on and off the court.
Clark and Mitchell have turned into one of the best backcourt duos in the WNBA. The two Fever stars combined for 47 points and more than 11 assists per game during the 2026 campaign. Mitchell posted a career-high 24.7 points per game and hit a career-high 45 percent of her 3-point attempts. Clark pitched in 22.3 points and 8.3 assists per contest.
Indiana celebrated the two stars on social media during the regular season for their historic output together. It appears there are lingering issues between the two WNBA All-Stars, though.
Fever star calls out team’s fans
Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) smiles Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, during exit interviews at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis after the 2026 WNBA season. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Meanwhile, Mitchell’s clearly frustrated with Indiana’s fans as well, especially after the drama that occurred during the Fever-Aces series.
“Showing up every day to compete for fans that may or may not like you is hard,” Mitchell told reporters, per BrickCenter on X. “I got to be selfish about where my career is going.”
A’ja Wilson’s encounter with a Fever supporter went viral during Game 2. The Aces star went into the crowd after a male Fever fan pointed at her and made comments in her direction.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham delivers hot take on why WNBA didn’t suspend A’ja Wilson
That situation caused more drama off-court as well with Sophie Cunningham taking multiple shots at Wilson. Cunningham posted a TikTok mocking the four-time MVP and doubled down recently by telling Wilson to “grow up” during her latest podcast appearance.
The Fever have several important decisions to make regarding their team’s future, including contract talks with Cunningham, Mitchell and other players.
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