The Indiana Fever have a busy few weeks ahead of them now that the WNBA and WNBPA have reached a deal for a new CBA. The deal, which took over 17 months to pan out, is being described as a “transformative” agreement for the players.
Regardless of the nature of the deal, a new CBA means that off-season activities can now begin. With over 100 free agents, featuring some of the league’s top talents, two new teams, an expansion draft and the upcoming WNBA draft, teams have their work cut out for them.
The league’s landscape could look significantly different next season. However, for contenders like the Fever, the off-season is the perfect opportunity to retain and reinforce their roster to make another push in 2026.
With the CBA out of the way, here’s what’s next for the Indiana Fever.
Who are the Indiana Fever’s top Free Agency targets?
The Indiana Fever will see 10 of its players become free agents in the off-season. This includes their top scorer last season, Kelsey Mitchell, along with Sophie Cunningham, Natasha Howard, Brianna Turner, Lexie Hull and more.
There is hardly a doubt that the Fever will look to re-sign Mitchell, Howard, Cunningham and Hull, all of whom played a key role for the team last season. The return of others like Turner, Odyssey Sims and Aari McDonald is also possible but less likely. The team could also target additional 3-and-D wings in free agency.
Who will the Indiana Fever protect in the Expansion Draft?
Existing teams are allowed to protect five players in the upcoming Expansion Draft. With such limited spots, the Fever are expected to shield their best players, including Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Additionally, the team could also prioritize protecting Kelsey Mitchell, which would leave two spots for key role players like Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull. While Indiana can’t save all its players, this setup helps the team preserve its core roster.
What is the Indiana Fever’s 2026 WNBA draft strategy?
According to reports and mock drafts from multiple outlets, including ESPN, the Indiana Fever plan on getting their hands on a non-dominant scorer who can also defend in this year’s draft.
The team already has ball-dominant stars in Clark and Boston and will look to surround these two with capable role players, like Lexie Hull.
The team has been linked to 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot, 6-foot-4 forward Serah Williams and 6-foot guard Gabriela Jaquez.
Read More: Who Should the Indiana Fever Sign in WNBA Free Agency?
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