Indiana Fever fans, buckle up! Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell formed one of the most exciting backcourt duos of the WNBA in 2024. Their impact on the Fever helped the team return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. However, there was some uncertainty about the duo continuing together, as Mitchell was entering free agency this offseason. But the Fever didn’t let the “Backcourt Homies” split up—they’re officially running it back for another season.

On January 29, the Fever made it official by re-signing their sharpshooting veteran for the 2025 season. While her return is a huge success on the court, it also means an extension of Clark’s partnership with Mitchell, and with her come the fandom.

Kelsey Mitchell is aware of the impact CC’s large fanbase can have. She has experienced it in the past season, and not just the good parts. She has appreciated the spotlight and she has condemned the negativity. But for the larger part, she has learned to distinguish between who is in it for basketball and who isn’t. “When you sign up to be a fan, being pure and genuine is a part of that,” she had said last November.

So despite having faced the downside, Mitchell knows genuinity makes the real chunk.

During her appearance on the Easy Buckets podcast alongside teammate Erica Wheeler, Mitchell didn’t hold back when talking about Clark’s passionate fanbase. “Experiencing it, I love Caitlin Clark fans,” the veteran guard admitted. “But Caitlin Clark’s fans are different. They are very passionate people, and like, they gon’ ride or die.”

Mitchell made it clear that she’s grateful to be on the right side of Clark’s loyal followers. “Let’s just say, CC, I’m happy I’m on the right end of it,” she added. But again, having faced the force of the fanbase, she couldn’t not touch on it. “Man, I’d hate to be off, man.” Translation? If you’re not on their good side, it’s probably best to stay out of the way.

But now, officially, Mitchell is back with a one-year deal at the guaranteed supermax salary of $249,244. And why not? Last season, alongside Clark, she posted the best statistical season of her seven-year career. She started 38 of 40 games while averaging 19.2 points.

“Kelsey has been a foundation of our franchise for many years, and we are thrilled to see her return to the Fever,” president of basketball and business operations Kelly Krauskopf said in a statement. “She is one of the best guards in this league and a cornerstone in building a championship roster.”

Not just that—she also averaged 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while mentoring Clark on adjusting from college to the WNBA.

Kelsey Mitchell’s return strengthens Fever’s backcourt with Caitlin Clark for a dominant year 2

Both Clark and Mitchell’s partnership has propelled the Fever to new heights. They even made history together—Clark and Mitchell became the third duo in WNBA history to each score at least 25 points and make five three-pointers in the same game.

In that game, Clark finished with 28 points while shooting 5-of-11 from deep, whereas Mitchell recorded a 36-6-3 stat line on 5-of-7 shooting from behind the arc. As a moment worth celebrating, Clark shared a post highlighting their stats and captioned it “Backcourt Homie” in reference to Mitchell.

Mitchell’s return cements Indiana’s core for 2025. Alongside Clark and All-Star forward Aliyah Boston, the Fever are set to build on last season’s success. But this time, the chemistry is rising to even greater heights with guard/forward DeWanna Bonner, forward Sophie Cunningham, guard Sydney Colson, and forward Natasha Howard Now that is looking like a championship contender team. Watch out for the backcourt duo!