Indiana Fever Could Core WNBA Free Agent Kelsey Mitchell: Here’s What That Means

During her appearance on a November 13 episode of the “Locked on Women’s Basketball” podcast, Indiana Fever President of Basketball & Business Operations Kelly Krauskopf stated that re-signing longtime Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell is a top priority for the team in 2025.

“She’s our number one priority,” Krauskopf said. “Yes, we have the opportunity to core her. And it would be sort of irresponsible for me if we didn’t utilize that opportunity.”

Krauskopf mentioning the opportunity to “core” Mitchell raised some questions online about what exactly she means, and what “coring” a player entails.

Here’s your answer.

During every free agency period, each WNBA franchise has the opportunity to designate one player as a “core” player, allowing the team to retain the rights of that player who would otherwise become a free agent.

A player designated as core will receive a one-year, super-max offer based on the terms of the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement. In 2025, the super-max offer is $249,244.

If a player is “cored” twice in their career, they can no longer receive the designation.

Kelsey Mitchell has not been designated as core in her career. With Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston under contract, it is expected that Mitchell will be cored by Indiana this offseason.

Krauskopf further confirmed this in another segment of the “Locked on Women’s Basketball” podcast, emphasizing the positive aspect for Mitchell.

She stated, “I think it’s more of an honor for players to be cored. It shows they are considered the franchise player, which is a rare privilege. Kelsey Mitchell is that for us. The Clark-Mitchell backcourt is incredibly strong, and we look forward to their continued performance.”

After the Golden State Valkyries WNBA expansion draft, the Fever will need to protect Mitchell to core her. Assuming the Fever choose to core Mitchell, fans can expect to see their dynamic duo backcourt reunited in 2025.

This decision ensures that Fever fans need not worry about free agency rumors.