For the first time in history, WNBA salaries are reaching the million-dollar milestone, and the numbers behind the new CBA are nothing short of staggering. The WNBA salary cap has experienced a massive 466% jump, skyrocketing from $1.5 million to a robust $7 million. This financial evolution isn’t just about rewarding the superstars; it’s about providing the “middle class” of the league with long-overdue stability.
With the minimum salary now clearing the $300,000 mark and the average salary soaring to approximately $600,000, this year’s free agency period has turned into a high-stakes financial chess match. The frenzy officially kicked off on April 6, as teams began issuing qualifying offers and core designations-a critical window that slams shut today, Tuesday, April 7.
Securing the Foundation: Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull Set to Return to Indy
The Indiana Fever front office is making it clear that continuity is the priority as they build around the “Caitlin Clark era.” With the expansion draft in the rearview mirror, the focus has shifted entirely to free agency, and the Fever have already made two of the most anticipated moves of the offseason. The team has officially extended a core qualifying offer to star guard Kelsey Mitchell and a restricted qualifying offer to forward Lexie Hull, essentially guaranteeing that both will be back in the blue and gold for 2026.
Mitchell, who has been the heartbeat of the franchise since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2018, was the most obvious candidate for the core designation. This move is widely believed to be a one-year supermax contract, though it serves as a placeholder for further negotiations.
By “coring” Mitchell, the Fever ensure their most experienced bucket-getter stays paired with Clark. Meanwhile, Lexie Hull, the No. 6 pick from the 2022 draft, received a restricted offer. While Hull can technically negotiate with other teams, the Fever now hold the right to match any outside proposal, giving Indiana total control over her roster spot.
This aggressive start to the negotiation period provides the stability the franchise needs to avoid a mid-roster collapse during this era of unprecedented league movement.
Why Retaining Veteran Talent is the Fever’s Biggest Win
For fans and analysts, these moves provide immense value because they solve the chemistry equation before the first whistle of training camp. While the massive salary cap increase allows every team to hunt for big names, the Fever are smart to prioritize the “Clark-Mitchell” backcourt duo. Mitchell’s ability to score at all three levels takes the defensive pressure off Caitlin Clark, preventing opposing teams from simply double-teaming the sophomore sensation.
Retaining Lexie Hull is equally vital for the team’s defensive identity. Hull has developed into a reliable “3-and-D” specialist whose energy off the ball complements Clark’s elite vision.
By securing these two players before the Saturday signing start, General Manager Amber Cox has ensured that the Fever aren’t just “bolstering” the roster with new faces, but protecting the elite talent they already have. With the 2026 WNBA Draft set for April 13, Indiana can now walk into the draft room knowing exactly which holes they need to fill, rather than panicking over a depleted veteran core.
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