The Indiana Fever’s impressive run in the 2025 season made them an exciting franchise to play in, with lots of spotlight on the team and high expectations from the players. Following Caitlin Clark’s confirmation of her official return for the 2026 WNBA season, fans are excited for the new season and a competitive team, too.
The franchise is looking to strengthen the team via free agency and the draft. Both options are very deep and talented, giving the side a chance to form a strong team. While there are many uncertainties over free agents, the franchise could use its top pick and 10th overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft to add young talent to the roster.
Caitlin Clark To Team Up With Gabriela Jaquez
The Indiana Fever franchise came close to the championship in 2025 despite losing multiple players to injuries. The team didn’t rely much on its rookies during that run, yet Mikayla Timpson provided a strong backup forward option. Now in the 2026 season, the franchise will look to provide backup for its playmaker and, in general, the backcourt.
WNBA analyst David Suggs sees UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez as a suitable candidate for the place, as he wrote, “Jaquez possesses all the skills desired out of a modern wing. She projects to be something of a utility player at the next level, with her potential hinging on whether her jumper is consistent. Jaquez sank 54% of her threes against non-conference opposition. That figure dropped to just 30% against Big Ten foes.”
Gabriela Jaquez career high 27 points 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZMpReac2Vh
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) November 30, 2025
Jaquez has been the power engine for UCLA and is having a breakout season with 13.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game as a senior. The player is efficient from the field, shooting 54.2% from the field, 39.3% from 3-point range, and 85.3% from the free throw line.
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The Fever side possesses the 25th and 40th picks in the draft, too, but will look to secure the top player early in the draft who could make an immediate impact. Speaking of immediate impact, Clark already has eyes on a free-agent player who could help her improve her effectiveness.
Caitlin Clark Opens Up On Indiana Fever’s Priorities
One of the quick fixes for the franchises looking to compete for the title is signing proven players. While one of the ideal teammates for Clark is now forced to choose between her and the rising young stars in free agency, the 2024 Rookie of the Year winner has her priority set as she looks to reunite with Kelsey Mitchell.
Talking about the upcoming season and Mitchell’s free agency situation, Clark said, “I mean we were trying to win it all last year, that’s certainly what we’re trying to do this year. It’s a very unique situation. I think there’s over a hundred players in the league that are free agents, so we really only know about five people, or three people that are going to be on our team next year. But I feel like we have a great core. You know our first priority is to sign Kelsey Mitchell back.”
Caitlin on the upcoming Fever season: “I mean we were trying to win it all last year, that’s certainly what we’re trying to do this year. It’s a very unique situation. I think there’s over a hundred players in the league that are free agents, so we really only know about five… pic.twitter.com/j1BFHwiilM
— Jess (@FeverBandwagon) March 29, 2026
Praising the veteran guard, CC added that Mitchell is her running teammate and a first-team All-WNBA selection in the 2025 season.