Indiana Fever And Katie Lou Samuelson Mutually Part Ways
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Indiana Fever and Katie Lou Samuelson Mutually Part Ways
The Indiana Fever and forward Katie Lou Samuelson have officially parted ways after just one season, making room for the team’s continued roster overhaul during a busy WNBA offseason.
The mutual decision marks the end of Samuelson’s short tenure with the Fever, where she appeared in 37 games and averaged 4.3 points per contest.
Samuelson’s 2024 season was mixed, as she adjusted to being back on the court after giving birth to her daughter, Aliya, in August 2023.
Expected to be a sharpshooting wing, she struggled to find her rhythm, averaging just 2.7 three-point attempts per game at a 33% clip.
Initially a starter for the Fever, Samuelson eventually saw her role reduced, coming off the bench behind players like Kristy Wallace and Lexie Hull.
She also averaged 18 minutes per game—her lowest since her rookie year.
Signed to a two-year deal worth $355,000 before the 2024 season, Samuelson was set to make $180,000 in 2025.
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However, as part of this mutual parting, the Fever and Samuelson reportedly agreed to buyout terms, a common practice for players released before their contracts are fully fulfilled.
The Fever, under General Manager Lin Dunn, have been aggressive in reshaping their roster.
They’ve made splashy moves in free agency, including signing championship-caliber players like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sydney Colson, as well as trading for sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham.
The arrival of these talents, combined with existing competition at the forward position, created a surplus that influenced Samuelson’s departure.
Looking ahead, Samuelson won’t remain without a home for long.
Reports indicate she has been in talks with four potential teams as she seeks her next opportunity.
Known for her versatility and shooting, she could quickly find a role elsewhere as the WNBA offseason heats up.
For the Fever, this move aligns with their strategy of building a competitive team for the 2025 season.
With veterans like Bonner and Howard joining a core anchored by Kelsey Mitchell, they’re positioning themselves for success in what promises to be a highly competitive WNBA landscape.