Kelly Krauskopf, the founding president and general manager of the Indiana Fever, is stepping down after nearly 30 years with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, as announced by the company on Friday.
Krauskopf joined PS&E back in 1999, just a year before the Fever played their first season in 2000.
Throughout her tenure, she played a significant role in guiding the expansion franchise to three WNBA Finals appearances, even securing the championship in 2012.
Additionally, Krauskopf made history as the first woman to hold an executive basketball management position in the NBA while serving as the Pacers’ assistant general manager from 2018 to 2024, before returning to the Fever as their president of basketball and business operations.
Prior to her time at PS&E, Krauskopf was the inaugural director of basketball operations for the WNBA, helping establish the league in the lead-up to its launch in 1997.
Her resignation comes amid criticism directed at the Fever organization, concerning online and in-arena harassment faced by opposing teams and their players. This has led to what The Athletic described as a growing unease among players. Consequently, the WNBA is now reviewing how they oversee player safety at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Numerous players have expressed feeling a “diminished sense of security” while competing in Indianapolis.
Even Fever players themselves have experienced issues with fans.
Kelsey Mitchell, a standout player for the Fever, hinted at these challenges during her exit interview after the team lost to the Aces in the first round of the 2026 playoffs.
“Competing every day in front of fans who may or may not appreciate you is tough,” Mitchell shared.
“This organization is incredible, but finding the space to truly be yourself hasn’t always been simple.”
Krauskopf’s departure overlaps with the moment when Fever superstar Caitlin Clark can qualify for an Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) extension. This enables her to renegotiate what would typically be the fourth year of a rookie contract for a potential three-year extension.
If Clark is named to an All-WNBA team or receives a significant award, she could then earn the maximum salary in her fourth year.
Heading into the offseason, the Fever will also see several unrestricted free agents, including Mitchell, who had a career-best season.
