About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever 's front office is empty.
Fever team president Kelly Krauskopf , the person considered the architect of the Indiana Fever , stepped down after 27 years at Pacers Sports and Entertainment on Friday. Later that day, general manager Amber Cox was fired after two seasons.
Indiana's front office, which came in with championship aspirations in 2024, has not been up to par in the expectations that come with having the 2023 and 2024 No. 1 picks of Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark , respectively, along with a supermax-worthy player in Kelsey Mitchell , on the roster. They finished sixth in the regular-season standings each year, had one trip to the WNBA semifinals, and zero trips to the finals.
Stephanie White, who was hired by Krauskopf and Cox in 2024, remains the coach for now.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is guarded by Stephanie Talbot #7 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game One of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs first round at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 27, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a made shot in the first half against the Minnesota Lynx at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images) Jul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after a three-point shot attempt against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images (Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a photo with a fan prior to game one of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images) Basketball - FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup - Semi Final - Spain v United States - Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany - September 12, 2026 Caitlin Clark of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Maryam Majd (Maryam Majd, REUTERS) Jul 17, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the second half against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever speak during Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) Caitlin Clark #17 looks on during the United States Women's Basketball Team training camp at Duke University on December 13, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) Nov 12, 2025; Belleair, Florida, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) plays in the Annika Pro-Am golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images (Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever (L) stands with her team prior to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) Sep 14, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on the sideline against the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images (Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images) Oct 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) take in the game between the Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (Trevor Ruszkowski, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con) Caitlin Clark set rookie records for points (769) and assists (337) in 2024 after being selected No. 1 out of Iowa. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (left) with forward DeWanna Bonner against the USA Women's National Team during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Apr 15, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner, Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) Iowa president Barbara Wilson hugs Caitlin Clark, left, and Kate Martin during a celebration of the Iowa women's basketball team on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) controls the ball against Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the national semifinals of the 2024 NCAA women's basketball tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. (Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after breaking Pete Maravich's all-time NCAA scoring record during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) (Matthew Holst, Getty Images) Mar 3, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Addison O'Grady (far left) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kylie Feuerbach (4) and guard Sydney Affolter (3) and guard Taylor McCabe (far right) look on after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports (Jeffrey Becker, Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 and guard Kate Martin #20 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates in the confetti after senior day festivities after the match-up against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) (Matthew Holst, Getty Images) Hannah Pratt works on a butter sculpture of Caitlin Clark while her mother Sarah Pratt looks on in the Agriculture building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register) Caitlin Clark, left, speaks while on a panel with Stephen A. Smith after the University of Iowa Homecoming parade, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City, Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City / USA TODAY NETWORK) DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a 77-73 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket during the Crossover at Kinnick women's basketball scrimmage between Iowa and DePaul, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/For the Register, Joseph Cress/For the Register / USA TODAY NETWORK) Iowa guards Kate Martin, left, and Caitlin Clark pose for a photo with Iowa assistant coach Raina Harmon after an NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game against Michigan on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Maryland's Angel Reese, right, react to a call during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 220214 Maryland Iowa Wbb 008 Jpg (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes the ball up court during a NCAA women's basketball exhibition game against Truman State, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 211104 Iowa Truman St Wbb Ex 011 Jpg (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect) Urbandale senior Dee Dee Pryor and Dowling junior Caitlin Clark fight for the ball during a girlsÕ high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, © Dylan Heuer 2019) Dowling Catholic junior Caitlin Clark reacts after hitting a three-pointer against Southeast Polk in their Class 5A state semifinal game on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. (Bryon Houlgrave, Bryon Houlgrave, The Register) Dowling junior Caitlin Clark brings the ball up the court during a girls high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Clark went on to score 46 points in the game. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, Dylan Heuer/For the Register) Dowling junior Caitlin Clark eyes the rim during a free throw attempt during a girls high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Clark went on to score 46 points in the game. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, Dylan Heuer/For the Register) 1 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is guarded by Stephanie Talbot #7 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game One of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs first round at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 27, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 1 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is guarded by Stephanie Talbot #7 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game One of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs first round at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 27, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 2 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a made shot in the first half against the Minnesota Lynx at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images) 3 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Jul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after a three-point shot attempt against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images (Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a photo with a fan prior to game one of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images) 5 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Basketball - FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup - Semi Final - Spain v United States - Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany - September 12, 2026 Caitlin Clark of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Maryam Majd (Maryam Majd, REUTERS) 6 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Jul 17, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the second half against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) 7 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever speak during Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 8 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark #17 looks on during the United States Women's Basketball Team training camp at Duke University on December 13, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images) 9 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) 10 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Nov 12, 2025; Belleair, Florida, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) plays in the Annika Pro-Am golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images (Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) 11 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever (L) stands with her team prior to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) 12 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Sep 14, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on the sideline against the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images (Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images) 13 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Oct 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) take in the game between the Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (Trevor Ruszkowski, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con) 14 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark set rookie records for points (769) and assists (337) in 2024 after being selected No. 1 out of Iowa. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) 15 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (left) with forward DeWanna Bonner against the USA Women's National Team during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) 16 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Apr 15, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner, Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) 17 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa president Barbara Wilson hugs Caitlin Clark, left, and Kate Martin during a celebration of the Iowa women's basketball team on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK) 18 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) controls the ball against Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the national semifinals of the 2024 NCAA women's basketball tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. (Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports) 19 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after breaking Pete Maravich's all-time NCAA scoring record during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) (Matthew Holst, Getty Images) 20 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Mar 3, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Addison O'Grady (far left) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kylie Feuerbach (4) and guard Sydney Affolter (3) and guard Taylor McCabe (far right) look on after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports (Jeffrey Becker, Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) 21 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 and guard Kate Martin #20 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates in the confetti after senior day festivities after the match-up against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) (Matthew Holst, Getty Images) 22 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Hannah Pratt works on a butter sculpture of Caitlin Clark while her mother Sarah Pratt looks on in the Agriculture building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register) 23 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark, left, speaks while on a panel with Stephen A. Smith after the University of Iowa Homecoming parade, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City, Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City / USA TODAY NETWORK) 24 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a 77-73 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 25 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket during the Crossover at Kinnick women's basketball scrimmage between Iowa and DePaul, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/For the Register, Joseph Cress/For the Register / USA TODAY NETWORK) 26 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guards Kate Martin, left, and Caitlin Clark pose for a photo with Iowa assistant coach Raina Harmon after an NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game against Michigan on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) 27 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Maryland's Angel Reese, right, react to a call during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 220214 Maryland Iowa Wbb 008 Jpg (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK) 28 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes the ball up court during a NCAA women's basketball exhibition game against Truman State, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 211104 Iowa Truman St Wbb Ex 011 Jpg (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect) 29 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Urbandale senior Dee Dee Pryor and Dowling junior Caitlin Clark fight for the ball during a girlsÕ high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, © Dylan Heuer 2019) 30 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Dowling Catholic junior Caitlin Clark reacts after hitting a three-pointer against Southeast Polk in their Class 5A state semifinal game on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. (Bryon Houlgrave, Bryon Houlgrave, The Register) 31 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Dowling junior Caitlin Clark brings the ball up the court during a girls high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Clark went on to score 46 points in the game. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, Dylan Heuer/For the Register) 32 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Dowling junior Caitlin Clark eyes the rim during a free throw attempt during a girls high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Clark went on to score 46 points in the game. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, Dylan Heuer/For the Register) Pacers Sports and Entertainment, the organization that oversees the Fever, needs to find someone who will live up to those championship expectations. PS&E CEO Mel Raines said that the organization will conduct a national search for a general manager, but did not put a timeline on when they will have the next front office in place.
The championship window for the Fever, with their big three, is already fading. Indiana is already looking at major cap restraints that come with having three high-caliber players : Boston is owed the supermax, 20% of the team's salary cap, in 2027, while Clark is eligible for an EPIC extension that can go up to a regular max of 17%. Mitchell will likely command a max contract on the open market. To keep all three of them together, even just for 2027, means that Clark or Mitchell will likely have to take a discount.
Insider: How Fever salary cap changes with Caitlin Clark extension, Kelsey Mitchell free agency
The Fever will need a general manager who can, above all, navigate this salary cap situation that they're in. This person will be someone who can evaluate players to their true worth from a cap perspective, finding people who will fit both financially and alongside Boston and Clark on the court.
This person needs to be able to work directly with Clark and Boston, as well. The two are the cornerstones of the franchise and, assuming the Fever want to keep them around long term, they should have input on offseason dealings.
Potentially even more importantly, the front office needs to have a form of thick skin. As Clark mentioned in her exit interview earlier this month, she recognizes that there's a microscope around the team because of her . Fans, and detractors, are dialed into this team more than ever, and that comes with more trolls, more bots, and more unsolicited opinions. The general manager needs to recognize how to detach from the social media slop, while also knowing how to maneuver the unwelcome perception the Fever have built around the league.
That perception is pervasive even inside the house: Mitchell said in her exit interview that it's hard to play for "fans that may or may not like you," specifically highlighting the nasty DMs she gets from fans throughout the season.
It's a lot for one person to deal with, and a difficult hire to get right. But if the Fever want to take advantage of this championship window, they need to be right.
PS&E doesn't have a specific timeline for naming front-office leaders for the Fever, but based on the offseason calendar, they could take up to six weeks to find the right person.
Free agency will begin in January, with qualifying offers going out to reserved, restricted, and cored free agents around mid-month. Then comes the negotiation period around the last week of January, and the signing period after that.
But Indiana's general manager (and/or team president) will have some crucial decisions to make immediately once they're in place.
The first decision comes down to the coach. White is still in her position for now, but anything can happen when a new leadership group gets into place. Take the last leadership cycle, for example: Christie Sides remained the Fever's coach when Krauskopf returned on Sept. 23, 2024 and Cox was announced as the general manager on Oct. 4, 2024. Just over three weeks later, Sides was fired on Oct. 27, 2024. Then, White was hired as Indiana's coach on Nov. 1, 2024.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White calls out to her team Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, during the first half of Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White talks to the referee on Tuesday during Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White watches the action during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White watches the game against the Washington Mystics from the sideline at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. The Mystics defeated the Fever 93-77. (Christine Tannous/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 2/14/99. Stephanie White-McCarty, who plays during the start of the second half of her last Purdue home game, keeps calm under pressure applied by Ohio State UniversityÕs Lauren Shenk. (Robert Scheer Photo), scans 1, w/mckee story. (Robert Scheer / The Star) 3/23/99. PURDUE'S Stephanie White-McCarty celebrates with about a minute to go in the Boilermaker victory over Rutgers that will send them to the Final Four in San Jose CA. (Robert Scheer Photo) scans 1 w/story. Digital Transmit. AMPTESTtoArchive (ROBERT SCHEER, BOB SCHEER) Seeger's Stephanie White drives to the basket during a Lafayette Jeff Semistate game. (File/Journal & Courier) Stephanie White tearfully thanks her Seeger High School fans during a ceremony retiring her number Friday night at the West Lebanon school. White was last years Indiana Miss Basketball and the high school national player of the year. Fans yelled go Purdue to White near the end of the ceremony as she gets ready to start her regular season college career when her Boilermakers take on Kansas on November 26. (Frank Oliver, Copyright 1999 Lafayette Journal and Courier;Yes) Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White smiles Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, during exit interviews at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis after the 2026 WNBA season. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) 1 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White calls out to her team Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, during the first half of Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) 1 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White calls out to her team Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, during the first half of Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) 2 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White talks to the referee on Tuesday during Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 3 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White watches the action during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 4 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White watches the game against the Washington Mystics from the sideline at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. The Mystics defeated the Fever 93-77. (Christine Tannous/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 5 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach 2/14/99. Stephanie White-McCarty, who plays during the start of the second half of her last Purdue home game, keeps calm under pressure applied by Ohio State UniversityÕs Lauren Shenk. (Robert Scheer Photo), scans 1, w/mckee story. (Robert Scheer / The Star) 6 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach 3/23/99. PURDUE'S Stephanie White-McCarty celebrates with about a minute to go in the Boilermaker victory over Rutgers that will send them to the Final Four in San Jose CA. (Robert Scheer Photo) scans 1 w/story. Digital Transmit. AMPTESTtoArchive (ROBERT SCHEER, BOB SCHEER) 7 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach Seeger's Stephanie White drives to the basket during a Lafayette Jeff Semistate game. (File/Journal & Courier) 8 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach Stephanie White tearfully thanks her Seeger High School fans during a ceremony retiring her number Friday night at the West Lebanon school. White was last years Indiana Miss Basketball and the high school national player of the year. Fans yelled go Purdue to White near the end of the ceremony as she gets ready to start her regular season college career when her Boilermakers take on Kansas on November 26. (Frank Oliver, Copyright 1999 Lafayette Journal and Courier;Yes) 9 / 9 Stephanie White: Miss Basketball, Purdue star, Fever player and coach Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White smiles Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, during exit interviews at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis after the 2026 WNBA season. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) White could definitely stay as coach of the Fever if the leadership wants her to be. But that's in flux until they make their decision — which likely won't be until a few weeks after they start.
The next decision comes down to their biggest departing free agent in Mitchell. Cox said Mitchell was the Fever's No. 1 priority in free agency, but that doesn't hold much weight now that she's no longer the decision-maker. The front office will need to decide whether Mitchell is still their true top priority, or if they want to go a different direction.
With that also comes navigating the contracts that are already on the cap sheet. Both Monique Billings and Lexie Hull did not live up to their contract size in 2026, and they're owed $800,000 and $803,250, respectively, in 2027. The general manager will need to quickly either find trade partners willing to take one or both of the contracts, or find a way to field a competitive team with them still on the books.
There is technically no set time for a general manager to be in place for 2027 free agency. But multiple things need to happen ahead of the free agency period in late January: The general manager needs to make a decision on White's status, and if the decision is to move away from her, then hire a new coach. Along with decisions on whether to pursue Mitchell, whether to trade Billings or Hull, and which players to target on the trade market or free agency, Indiana would likely want to have the front office in place by early December to give them time for all of these decisions.
Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at chloe.peterson@indystar.com . Get IndyStar's Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar TV: Fever for in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What's next for the Indiana Fever, needing front office leadership? Key decisions remain
Source: Sports
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