In a move that’s electrifying Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Fever Nation alike, dynamic guard Aari McDonald has re-signed with the Indiana Fever on a two-year contract extension, securing her spot in the team’s rising empire through the 2027 WNBA season. The announcement, made official Friday morning, comes as the Fever gear up for another playoff push, building on their breakout 2025 campaign that saw them clinch a franchise-record 28 wins and a deep postseason run.
McDonald, the 27-year-old Arizona alum and former No. 3 overall draft pick, first burst onto the Indy scene mid-2025 via an emergency hardship signing amid a rash of backcourt injuries to stars like Caitlin Clark. In just 20 games, she dazzled with averages of 9.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per outing, her tenacious defense and pinpoint playmaking injecting fresh fire into coach Stephanie White’s high-octane system. “Aari’s energy is contagious – she’s not just a guard; she’s the heartbeat we need alongside Caitlin and Aliyah,” White beamed in a post-signing presser.
The extension, reportedly valued at around $250,000 annually with incentives tied to playoff performance, underscores the Fever’s commitment to continuity after a turbulent offseason. McDonald, who overcame a season-ending foot fracture in August 2025, spent her recovery plotting this return. “Indy feels like home. From the fans’ roar to the sister’s bond in the locker room, I’m all in for the championships ahead,” McDonald shared on X, where her post already garnered over 50,000 likes.
Fever GM Amber Cox hailed the deal as a “no-brainer.” “Aari proved her worth last year – her versatility shores up our depth and elevates our championship window.” This ink comes hot on the heels of Clark’s own max extension, signaling Indy’s blueprint: lock in the young core, dominate the East.
As training camp looms in December, McDonald’s return pairs perfectly with newcomers like free-agent sharpshooter Kiki Iriafen, setting the stage for a Fever squad poised to dethrone the Liberty. Fans are buzzing – expect “Aari Time” chants to echo louder than ever. With this duo-year pact, McDonald’s WNBA odyssey in Indiana is just heating up. Great days are ahead in the Circle City.
