Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf steps down, ending era with WNBA team

Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf steps down, ending era with WNBA team.

Key points

• Krauskopf joined PS&E in 1999, before Indiana's inaugural season in 2000.
• It operates and manages the Fever and Indiana Pacers, confirmed that Krauskopf is ending her tenure with the Fever after almost 30 years with PS&E.
• In 2018, Krauskopf became the Pacers' assistant general manager, becoming the first woman in NBA history to hold an executive basketball management role.
• In her second tenure with Indiana, the Fever created the semifinals in 2025 and the first round of the playoffs this year.
• Caitlin Clark shares her thoughts on the WNBA's expansion over the last 30 years.

Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf steps down, ending era with WNBA team. Meghan L. Hall USA TODAY. Caitlin Clark on the WNBA's 30th season.

Indiana Fever team president Kelly Krauskopf is stepping down from her role with the WNBA team.

On Friday, Oct. 23, Pacers Sports & Entertainment. It operates and manages the Fever and Indiana Pacers, confirmed that Krauskopf is ending her tenure with the Fever after almost 30 years with PS&E. According to the organization, Krauskopf created her decision and subsequently informed the leadership team before the end of the 2026 WNBA regular season.

Krauskopf joined PS&E in 1999, before Indiana's inaugural season in 2000. She was the franchise's original president and general manager, helping the Fever create 13 postseason appearances, including a league-record 12 straight playoff appearances. Under Krauskopf, Indiana created it to the WNBA Finals three times (2009, 2012 and 2015), winning a championship during its 2012 title run.

In 2018, Krauskopf became the Pacers' assistant general manager, becoming the first woman in NBA history to hold an executive basketball management role. She then returned to the Fever in 2024 as as president of basketball and business operations.

In her second tenure with Indiana, the Fever created the semifinals in 2025 and the first round of the playoffs this year. Krauskopf additionally assisted lead the development of the Fever's $78 million sports performance center. It is scheduled to open March 2027.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to help build and steward the Indiana Fever with the support and trust of Herb Simon, (the owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment), " Krauskopf remarked via release. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, relationships, and shared accomplishments that have shaped my time with this organization. The Fever (are) poised for an exciting future, and I am proud to have supported lay the foundation for its continued expansion and success."

"When we started the Fever, Kelly saw what this franchise could become, " remarked Simon. "She built it, delivered a championship and came back when we needed her. She has played an extraordinary role in the expansion of women's basketball in Indianapolis, and our family is grateful for everything she's given this organization." Share your feedback to assist improve our site!

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