Once done nailing a game against the New York Liberty in July 2024, Caitlin Clark made some time to babysit teammate Katie Lou Samuelson’s 10-month-old daughter Aliyah. Impressed with Clark’s skills that are apparently not limited to just basketball, Samuelson dubbed her an “elite babysitter”. Heartwarming, right? For a while, yes. Because this dynamic between the teammates might be taking a turn to the south. 

The Indiana Fever announced on February 10, 2025, that they have mutually parted ways with Katie Lou Samuelson, despite her having one more season left on her contract. This decision has significant implications for both the team and its star rookie, Caitlin Clark.

By parting ways with Samuelson, the Fever have freed up approximately $180,250 in salary cap space for the 2025 season. This is a move that gives the team much needed financial flexibility as they try to build around their young core.

Besides having an effect on the team’s salary cap, Samuelson’s departure affects the locker room dynamic. Clark, who had developed a bond with Samuelson and her family, will have to lean on someone else for support and occasional babysitting duties instead of the veteran teammate.

To put it bluntly, the Fever have decided to double down on building around Clark and rising stars like Aliyah Boston. Having that extra cap space gives them some flexibility to nab free agents or make the necessary trades to improve their squad levels.

This is another step for Clark to take on an even bigger leadership role. As the WNBA star enters her second season, all the eyes are on her not just for what she does on the court, but what she does to lead this young team.

Caitlin Clark’s bigger role in the Fever’s future

Clark’s rookie season was something special—record-breaking. She was unanimously recognized as the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, She won the WNBA’s Peak Performer award for leading the league in assists.

With a year of experience under her belt, she is in an even better position to lead. Her court vision and playmaking skills will be key in running the Fever’s offense. The proof? As a rookie, she was the league leader in assists with 8.4 per game. That’s huge.

But beyond her stats, her leadership is what really stands out. As she put it, “Our entire Fever organization is committed to helping us win now. I believe that’s crucial. They are assembling exceptional components that will work well together.” Such mindset could be what moves the Fever from playoff hopefuls to real contenders.

While she isn’t on babysitting duty anymore, her role in shaping the team’s future today is bigger than ever. Clearly, the Fever’s front office is trying to help their young core and ensure Clark and her teammates are set up for success both on and off the court.

With the extra space in their cap and Caitlin Clark as the face of the franchise, exciting things are in the works for Fever in the 2025 season. So, Fever fans, fasten your seatbelts, this squad is only beginning.