Indiana Fever Build Championship Team Around Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever are going all in on their championship window, and the pieces are falling into place at exactly the right time.

The team announced Saturday they've re-signed stars Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell while adding veteran Monique Billings from the Golden State Valkyries. The moves come as Caitlin Clark prepares to return after missing the entire 2025 postseason with an injury.

Mitchell earned 2025 All-WNBA First Team honors and was an MVP finalist, averaging 20.2 points per game. Hull has become both a fan favorite and Clark's close friend, part of the beloved "Tres Leches" trio with Sophie Cunningham.

Clark herself announced Hull's multi-year deal in a TikTok video, a playful moment that captured their friendship off the court. Hull credits social media for the nickname that's become synonymous with the Fever's young core.

Last season proved what this team could do even without their best player. The Fever advanced to the semifinals, falling to the Las Vegas Aces 107-98 in overtime during Game 5, all while dealing with more injuries than any other playoff team.

Hull described their training room as packed compared to opponents, yet they still pushed deeper into the playoffs than Indiana had in years. That near miss created hunger instead of disappointment.

Why This Inspires

What makes Indiana's run special isn't just the talent, it's the adversity they've already overcome together. Playing for the Fever means dealing with intense scrutiny and opponents who bring extra energy because of the national spotlight Clark generates.

Hull acknowledged the challenge of constant online criticism but also recognized how their massive following motivates other teams to play harder. Instead of shrinking from that pressure, the Fever are leaning into it.

The team now holds the fourth-best championship odds for 2026 behind Minnesota, Las Vegas, and New York. With Clark healthy, their core intact, and strategic veteran additions, those odds might be too conservative.

Indiana isn't just building a team around a superstar, they're creating something sustainable and genuinely special.