In a significant move that has garnered attention across women’s professional basketball, former Indiana Fever standout Kelsey Mitchell has officially signed with the Golden State Valkyries, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her illustrious basketball career. Mitchell, who has become one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball, particularly with her time in the WNBA, will now take her talents to the upstart Golden State Valkyries, a team competing in the Women’s Professional Basketball Association (WPBA).
This signing is a major milestone not just for Mitchell, but for the Valkyries as well, as the team continues to build its roster and establish its place in the professional basketball landscape. After spending several seasons with the Fever, where she made a significant impact as both a scorer and a leader, Mitchell’s departure from the team was a bittersweet moment for Indiana fans. However, her move to the Valkyries offers her a fresh opportunity to continue her growth as a player while also helping elevate a rising franchise in the process.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Kelsey Mitchell’s journey to this point, what her signing with the Golden State Valkyries means for both her and the team, and how her career might evolve in the next phase of her professional basketball journey.
Kelsey Mitchell: A Brief Look Back at Her Time with the Indiana Fever
Before delving into the specifics of her new contract with the Valkyries, it’s important to reflect on Mitchell’s legacy with the Indiana Fever. A former Ohio State standout, Mitchell was selected by the Fever with the second overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, quickly establishing herself as a talented scorer with incredible range and a knack for taking over games. Throughout her time in Indiana, Mitchell built a reputation as one of the WNBA’s most exciting and dynamic guards, known for her speed, agility, and ability to put the ball in the basket.
During her rookie season, Mitchell made an immediate impact, averaging 12.1 points per game and earning a place on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. She was widely regarded as one of the top young players in the league, and in her second season, she continued to elevate her game, becoming one of the most reliable offensive threats for the Fever. Over the course of her career in Indiana, Mitchell solidified herself as one of the team’s most consistent scorers, regularly leading the Fever in points and often handling the ball in clutch moments.
While the Fever struggled to contend for a title during Mitchell’s tenure, her individual play remained one of the bright spots of the franchise. She became a fan favorite due to her electrifying style of play, especially her ability to score from beyond the arc, drive to the basket with precision, and make tough shots under pressure. Her scoring prowess, combined with her leadership on and off the court, made her a standout in the WNBA.
However, after several seasons of individual success, Mitchell’s time with the Fever came to a close. While the decision to leave Indiana was a tough one, it was clear that the next phase of Mitchell’s career would require new challenges and opportunities to continue to evolve as a player. Enter the Golden State Valkyries.
The Golden State Valkyries: A New Home for Mitchell
The Golden State Valkyries are a relatively new franchise in the Women’s Professional Basketball Association (WPBA), which aims to provide a competitive platform for female athletes to showcase their skills and develop professionally. Founded in 2022, the Valkyries are an ambitious organization with a growing fanbase, bolstered by the rising popularity of women’s professional sports and the increasing media attention on women’s basketball. The team has quickly become one of the most talked-about franchises in the WPBA, not only for their high level of play but also for their strong commitment to developing both domestic and international talent.
For the Valkyries, signing Kelsey Mitchell is an enormous coup. The 5’8″ guard’s all-around game, leadership, and scoring ability make her a perfect fit for the team, and her addition to the roster should help raise the team’s profile both in the league and across the sport as a whole. Golden State has already begun to assemble a competitive roster, and with Mitchell at the helm, the Valkyries will now have one of the league’s brightest stars leading their offense.
Mitchell’s fit with the Valkyries could be an excellent one for a variety of reasons. First, Golden State’s offensive system will likely be more dynamic than what Mitchell experienced in Indiana. The Valkyries have shown a commitment to a high-tempo, fast-paced offense that emphasizes transition play, ball movement, and spacing on the court. Mitchell’s speed and ability to score in transition will make her a major asset in such a system. Additionally, her skills as a shooter—particularly from beyond the three-point line—will give the Valkyries another weapon to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities.
Moreover, Mitchell’s leadership and experience in the WNBA will be invaluable to the younger players on the Valkyries roster. As one of the more experienced players in the league, Mitchell brings a level of maturity and professionalism that will undoubtedly rub off on her teammates. This leadership, combined with her knack for rising to the occasion in key moments, makes her a perfect fit for a team that is still in the process of establishing itself as a contender.
What Kelsey Mitchell Brings to the Golden State Valkyries
Kelsey Mitchell is not just a scorer—she’s a complete player who can impact multiple facets of the game. Here’s a closer look at the key elements Mitchell will bring to the Valkyries:
1. Scoring Ability
Mitchell’s most obvious strength is her scoring. She has consistently been one of the most prolific offensive players in the WNBA, and that will continue to be her calling card in the WPBA. A versatile scorer, Mitchell can shoot from anywhere on the floor. Whether it’s from beyond the arc, in the mid-range, or driving to the basket, Mitchell has a wide array of scoring options that will make her a nightmare for opposing defenses.
In her last full season with the Fever (2024), Mitchell averaged 15.4 points per game, showcasing her ability to carry the offensive load. The Valkyries will benefit from her ability to create her own shot, as well as her knack for finishing in transition. Her presence on the court will force defenses to focus on her, which will open up opportunities for her teammates as well.
2. Court Vision and Playmaking
While Mitchell is known for her scoring, she is also a capable playmaker. Throughout her WNBA career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to create opportunities for others. In Indiana, she often served as the primary ball handler, and her court vision allowed her to set up her teammates for easy baskets. Mitchell’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and distribute the ball effectively will make the Valkyries’ offense even more potent.
3. Leadership and Experience
As a veteran of the WNBA, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience to the Golden State Valkyries. In addition to her individual accomplishments, she has learned how to navigate the pressure and challenges of playing at the highest levels of women’s basketball. This experience will be invaluable as she helps guide the Valkyries through the ups and downs of a competitive league.
4. Defensive Tenacity
While Mitchell is best known for her offensive prowess, she has developed into a solid defender over the years. Though not the tallest player on the floor, Mitchell has shown the ability to disrupt passing lanes, apply pressure on ball handlers, and make life difficult for opposing shooters. Her quickness and agility make her an effective perimeter defender, and her ability to guard multiple positions will add flexibility to the Valkyries’ defense.
The Golden State Valkyries’ Future with Mitchell
With Kelsey Mitchell now officially part of the roster, the Golden State Valkyries are poised for an exciting 2025 season. Mitchell’s presence will elevate the team’s offensive capabilities and provide a steadying influence in close games. The Valkyries are expected to be a more competitive team than ever before, and Mitchell’s leadership and scoring ability will play a key role in their quest to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Beyond the court, the signing of Mitchell is a statement of intent for the Valkyries. It signals that the franchise is serious about building a championship-caliber team and that they’re willing to bring in top-tier talent to do so. With Mitchell on board, the Valkyries have the potential to attract other high-profile players, creating a team that could be the envy of the league in the years to come.