Indiana Fever Exercises 2027 Team Option on Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever exercised the 2027 team option in the contract of guard Caitlin Clark during training camp, the team announced last week. Clark is on her rookie-scale contract after being selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Rookie-scale deals include team options for later seasons that must be exercised a full year in advance.

The decision ensures Clark remains under contract for the 2027 season at a salary of $597,596, according to Her Hoop Stats WNBA Salary Cap Database. Clark averaged 16.5 points and 8.8 assists per game last season after being named to the All-WNBA First Team as a rookie in 2024.

She has averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 assists per game across 53 games in her first two seasons. The Fever posted a 28-25 record in games when she was available to play.

The move was described as a formality given Clark's on-court performance and off-court impact. After 2027, she projects to be a restricted free agent under current rules. Clark will be eligible next season for an extension under the Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract provision after making an All-WNBA team in her rookie year.

That provision, newly implemented in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, would allow the Fever to increase her salary for the fourth year of her rookie deal and add multiple seasons to her contract. One teammate has already signed an extension using those rules.

The maximum raise and total value would depend on performance benchmarks, including a possible MVP award in 2026.

"Just really excited more than anything," Clark said of her emotions for the coming season. She added that practice has been productive with a strong energy level during training camp. The Fever open their 2026 season on Saturday afternoon. Clark missed time due to injuries last season but remains an MVP candidate heading into the new campaign.