With the WNBA regular season less than a month from conclusion, the question of who will claim the 2025 Most Valuable Player award has intensified. Among the leading candidates, discussions surrounding Kelsey Mitchell WNBA MVP discussion have gained momentum as insiders and analysts insist she has been undervalued for too long.
Drafted second overall in 2018, Mitchell has been a vital presence through challenging years for the Indiana Fever, a team that struggled near the bottom of standings and missed the playoffs for multiple seasons. Her perseverance is now drawing significant attention as the season approaches its final stretch.
Mitchell Steps Up Amid Team Adversity
The arrival of Caitlin Clark transformed the Fever by snapping a seven-year playoff drought last season. However, Clark has missed more than half of the current campaign due to injuries, including a quadriceps strain followed by a groin tear. In her absence, Mitchell has taken full command, averaging 19.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and almost one steal per game.
Despite the challenges, Indiana maintains a 10-11 record without Clark, largely because of Mitchell’s leadership and consistency. Her impact has not gone unnoticed by prominent figures in the WNBA community. Former Fever star Tamika Catchings urged the public to recognize Mitchell’s efforts, stating,
Gonna need y’all to say her name when talking about MVP.
—Tamika Catchings, Fever Legend
Esteemed coach Dawn Staley also emphasized Mitchell’s importance, saying,
You got to talk about Kelsey Mitchell, right?
—Dawn Staley, WNBA Coach
Mitchell’s teammate Aliyah Boston reinforced this view, expressing,
She needs to be in those conversations… it’s undeniable.
—Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever Forward
Competitive Field Intensifies Toward Season’s Close
As the WNBA regular season heads to its final weeks, attention remains focused on two major contenders alongside Mitchell: Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson. Collier’s recent injury has tightened the race, potentially setting up a head-to-head comparison between Wilson and Mitchell for the prestigious title.
The Fever’s ability to secure a playoff spot without Clark would further strengthen Mitchell’s candidacy, putting her possibly beyond dispute in the MVP discussion. As the finish line nears, the combination of her steady production and leadership places her among the league’s very best and highlights the evolving dynamics of the 2025 MVP competition.