Indiana Fever Secures Two Historic Seven-Figure Contracts in One Week

The WNBA’s 2026 collective bargaining agreement lifted the league salary cap to $7 million and introduced a supermax provision (up to 20 percent of the cap) and the Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) extension for players still on rookie deals. Indiana Fever applied both tools, re-signing guard Kelsey Mitchell and extending center Aliyah Boston. The negotiations were led by general manager Amber Cox, with President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf and head coach Stephanie White also commenting.

Forbes

• Kelsey Mitchell – one-year supermax $1.4 million (20 % of cap), first Fever player to earn a seven-figure salary.

Forbes

• Aliyah Boston – EPIC extension, three-year deal projected just under $6.3 million, 2026 salary $1 million, supermax for 2027-2029.

Forbes

• League impact – 31 players earn $1 million+ in 2026; Indiana one of three teams with a supermax player and the only franchise using EPIC.

Forbes

The contracts demonstrate how the 2026 CBA’s salary-cap increase and new provisions are being applied in practice. By securing Mitchell’s supermax and Boston’s EPIC extension, Indiana becomes the only franchise to have used the EPIC provision and one of just three teams with a supermax player this season. The league now has 31 players earning $1 million or more, indicating a broader shift toward higher player compensation across the WNBA.

Forbes

The Fever said the contracts reflect the new CBA’s salary structure and the organization’s commitment to retaining its core talent. In a press release, Amber Cox highlighted Mitchell’s decade-long contribution and the franchise’s priority to keep her. The team also noted that the EPIC provision enabled Boston to secure a long-term, high-value extension.

Forbes

• “I can’t say enough great things about Kelsey,” — Amber Cox, General Manager, Indiana Fever

Forbes

• “For all the right reasons, I knew the Fever was the priority,” — Kelsey Mitchell, Guard, Indiana Fever

Forbes

• “The EPIC piece was a new one that obviously impacts us right out of the gate that we had to adjust to,” — Amber Cox, General Manager, Indiana Fever

Forbes

• “It’s just baffling hearing those numbers. It’s crazy. I’m so thankful that this league is where we are right now,” — Stephanie White, Head Coach, Indiana Fever

Forbes

Boston’s EPIC extension total value remains provisional because future salary caps have not been set, so the “just under $6.3 million” estimate cannot be confirmed. No dissenting commentary appears in the source material.

Forbes

The Fever will field Mitchell under her 2026 supermax contract and Boston under her EPIC extension, which includes a supermax clause for the 2027-2029 seasons. The league’s broader use of supermax and EPIC contracts is evident in the 31 players earning $1 million or more this season.

Forbes