Kelly Krauskopf's Fever Legacy Spans Two Stints Before Departure
Kelly Krauskopf steps down as Indiana Fever team president after two tenures with the franchise.
Event / Sports
Indiana Fever Leadership Change
Indiana Fever team president Kelly Krauskopf announced on October 23, 2026, that she is stepping down. Krauskopf was the franchise's original president and general manager from 2000 to 2017, led the team to its 2012 WNBA championship, and returned to the Fever in September 2024 after serving as Pacers assistant general manager from 2018 to 2024. The announcement follows the Fever's first-round playoff loss to the Las Vegas Aces in 2026.
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2026-10-24 to 2026-10-25 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Oct, 00:51 UTC
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What happened
Krauskopf joins Indiana Pacers as assistant general manager in December 2018
Kelly Krauskopf joined the Indiana Pacers as assistant general manager in December 2018, becoming the first woman in NBA history to hold a high-level executive basketball management role. She served in the position until 2024.
Fever owner Herb Simon issues statement praising Krauskopf's contributions
Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, issued a statement crediting Krauskopf with building the Indiana Fever, delivering a championship, returning when needed, and playing a significant role in the growth of women's basketball in Indianapolis.
Krauskopf served as the Fever's original president and general manager from 2000 to 2017
Kelly Krauskopf was hired in 1999 to build the Indiana Fever and served as the franchise's inaugural president and general manager from its 2000 founding season until 2017.
Krauskopf returns to Fever as president of basketball and business operations in September 2024
Kelly Krauskopf returned to the Indiana Fever in September 2024 as president of basketball and business operations, about five months after the team selected Caitlin Clark first overall in the 2024 WNBA draft.
Indiana Fever win the 2012 WNBA championship, the franchise's only title
The Indiana Fever won the 2012 WNBA Championship, the franchise's first and only WNBA title, during Krauskopf's tenure as general manager.
Krauskopf issues statement on her departure from the Fever
Kelly Krauskopf issued a statement thanking owner Herb Simon and the organization, and saying the Fever is poised for an exciting future and that she is proud to have helped lay its foundation.
Fever lose to Las Vegas Aces in first round of 2026 WNBA playoffs
The Indiana Fever were eliminated in the first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs by the Las Vegas Aces.
Fever bring Amber Cox in as chief operating officer and general manager
During Krauskopf's second stint as team president, the Indiana Fever hired veteran executive Amber Cox as chief operating officer and general manager.
Kelly Krauskopf steps down as Indiana Fever team president
The Indiana Fever announced that Kelly Krauskopf is stepping down as team president, ending her second stint with the franchise. The announcement was made on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Fever reach the playoffs in three consecutive seasons during Krauskopf's second stint
During Krauskopf's second stint as team president, the Indiana Fever made the WNBA playoffs in three consecutive seasons, reaching the semifinals in 2025.
Fever bring Stephanie White back as head coach for a second stint
During Krauskopf's second stint as team president, the Indiana Fever brought Stephanie White back to Indiana as head coach for a second time.
Fever develop $78 million sports performance center during Krauskopf's second stint
Kelly Krauskopf led development of the Indiana Fever's new $78 million sports performance center during her second stint as team president.
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