Caitlin Clark could be returning to a very different-looking Indiana Fever next year.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a highly successful debut season in the WNBA on a personal level, winning the Rookie of the Year award and coming fourth in the MVP voting. But the Fever suffered an early exit in their first playoffs appearance since 2016 after a rollercoaster regular season.

They’ve already started preparations for 2025 by sacking head coach Christie Sides, who was accused of failing to get the most out of their star player’s potential. Her replacement could address that issue, while there’s other factors that might unfold in the coming months which would make for a dream sophomore year for Clark.

Speculation is already rife about who the Fever could pursue as their next coach. The Connecticut Sun’s Stephanie White has emerged as a top contender.

The 2023 Coach of the Year of course has a history with the Fever, having spent four of her five playing seasons with them and returning to lead them to only their second WNBA Finals appearance in 2015.

However, the task at hand for the Fever now is to build the team around Clark. And who better placed to do that than her college coach Lisa Bluder?

The 63-year-old nurtured Clark’s blossoming talent for the Iowa Hawkeyes, during which time they reached two NCAA national championship games. Bluder retired in May – but no opportunity would be more tempting than a reunion.

Head coach Lisa Bluder of the Iowa Hawkeyes gestures to her team during a game against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Sweet Sixteen round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at MVP Arena on March 30, 2024© NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Natasha Howard returns

Since her first stint at the Fever, Natasha Howard has transformed into a completely different player. She’s a three-time WNBA champion from her spells with the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm.

And she was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Her return could be the perfect storm coupled with Clark’s emergence.

Howard would not only offer much-needed reinforcement at 4, but she’d also provide back-up in defence. She’s already made it clear she won’t be returning to the Dallas Wings, so the door is very much open.

Natasha Howard of CBK Mersin in action during the FIBA EuroLeague Women basketball match between Olympiacos and CBK Mersin at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus, Greece on October 23, 2024© Anadolu via Getty Images

Kelsey Mitchell stays

Right at the top of the Fever’s agenda should be tying Kelsey Mitchell down to a new deal. She was their second-leading scorer in the 2024 season, averaging 19.2 points per game.

The two-time All Star is part of the furniture after seven years with the side, and keeping a hold of her will only be a boost for Clark and Co. It remains to be seen if they can do so.

“She’s extremely important to the success of this, our future,” Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf said recently. “We intend to have lots of conversations and make sure she knows that, but I think she does know that.”

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates a basket during the second half of a game against the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2024© Getty Images

Salary cap increase

There’s no question that Clark is worth well more than her current five-figure salary. According to Sports Illustrated, it stands at just $76,535 (£58.78k).

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association’s decision to opt out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to see the current salary cap of $1.46 million per team skyrocket next year, with a new agreement based on league revenues set to be struck.

While Clark knows she needn’t worry about her pay packet with sponsorships raining in and her star only rising, a new contract with a wage which reflects her value is only fair and will serve as further encouragement for her to spur the Fever on to a first WNBA title since 2012.