The Indiana Fever marked a crucial milestone for the organization on Monday when they officially introduced Stephanie White as the team’s new head coach. Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull were all in attendance as they offered their support for their new coach heading into 2025.
One particular star player who was absent from the major event was two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell. More than a few fans were curious as to why she was nowhere to be found considering how the 28-year-old is one of the most important players on the roster.
The fact that Mitchell will become an unrestricted free agent and can opt to walk away from Indiana this offseason made her absence even more intriguing for some supporters.
Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull and Caitlin Clark with head coach Stephanie White during her first day in Indy 🤝 pic.twitter.com/lVu12nshdG
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) November 4, 2024
There is a very good reason behind Mitchell’s no-show. The fact of the matter is that the 5-foot-8 guard is currently halfway across the globe. Mitchell is in China at the moment where she signed a deal with the Shanxi Flame of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA).
Mitchell’s offseason departure is far from unprecedented. In fact, several WNBA players are currently abroad playing for their respective teams while the league is on break. The Shanxi Flame, in particular, have signed stars such as Maya Moore and Alyssa Thomas in the past, to name a couple.
Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell
For her part, Mitchell has had stints in Egypt, Israel and Spain in the past, so playing overseas is not new for the former Ohio State star.
Mitchell recently featured in a video posted on social media alongside a couple of her Flame teammates Liu Yutong and fellow WNBA player Olivia Nelson-Ododa of the Connecticut Sun.
The Big 3 are ready🥰 pic.twitter.com/pGQ7YcJwkq
— Chinese Women's Hoop Show (@CWHoopShow) November 5, 2024
In another clip that is making its rounds on X, the Fever guard is seen promoting a hotel in the Shanxi province of China where she is currently residing.
Kelsey Mitchell doing a commercial for her hotel😂 pic.twitter.com/TrAMzBo0hG
— Chinese Women's Hoop Show (@CWHoopShow) November 5, 2024
Mitchell’s contract with the Flame will only last for a few months. She will be returning to America in time for the start of the 2025 season.
At this point, Mitchell has not made a decision on her future in the league. She has, however, already hinted at the possibility of returning to Indiana. For their part, the Fever have also made it abundantly clear that Mitchell is a key piece for the squad and that her free agency is one of their top priorities in the offseason.
It is now a matter of both parties agreeing on a number.
