Kelly Krauskopf Departs Indiana Fever
Kelly Krauskopf Steps Down as Indiana Fever President
Kelly Krauskopf, a longtime basketball executive who played a significant role in the development of the Indiana Fever, has announced her departure from the team’s leadership.
Krauskopf, 64, confirmed on Friday that she is stepping down as president of basketball and business operations, a position she returned to in 2024.
Her departure marks another major transition for the franchise after more than two decades of involvement with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
Kelly Krauskopf Announces Her Departure
In a statement announcing her decision, Krauskopf reflected on her years with the Indiana Fever and expressed appreciation for the support she received throughout her career.
She acknowledged team owner Herb Simon for his confidence and commitment, describing her involvement in building and guiding the organization as a meaningful professional experience.
Krauskopf also expressed gratitude for the relationships, opportunities, and accomplishments that defined her time with the franchise.
She emphasized her confidence in the Fever’s future and said she was proud to have contributed to the foundation supporting the team’s continued development.
Her remarks also recognized the colleagues and staff members who helped shape her experience with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
More Than Two Decades With the Indiana Fever
Krauskopf’s association with Pacers Sports & Entertainment dates back to 1999, when the Indiana Fever franchise was preparing to enter the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
She became one of the organization’s most influential executives, helping establish the Fever as a competitive team in women’s professional basketball.
During her tenure as president and general manager through 2017, Indiana reached the WNBA playoffs 13 times and advanced to the league finals on three occasions.
One of the franchise’s most important achievements came in 2012, when the Fever captured the WNBA championship.
The title represented a defining moment in the organization’s history and strengthened its reputation within the league.
Krauskopf’s leadership during those years helped shape the franchise’s competitive identity and long-term direction.
A Historic Move to the Indiana Pacers
In 2018, Krauskopf took on a new challenge when she was appointed assistant general manager of the Indiana Pacers.
The appointment represented a significant milestone in professional basketball, making her the first woman to hold an assistant general manager position in the NBA.
Her transition from the WNBA to the NBA demonstrated her extensive experience in basketball administration, player personnel, and organizational development.
During her six years with the Pacers, Krauskopf worked within the franchise’s basketball operations department and contributed to its management structure.
Her appointment also reflected the expanding opportunities for women in leadership positions across professional sports.
Returning to the Fever in 2024
After spending six years with the Indiana Pacers, Krauskopf returned to the Fever in 2024 as president of basketball and business operations.
Her return came during an important period for the franchise as it worked to strengthen its competitive performance and organizational growth.
Under the leadership structure established during her second tenure, Indiana continued building toward greater postseason success.
The team reached the WNBA semifinals in 2025, marking another important step in its competitive development.
In 2026, the Fever reportedly returned to the postseason and improved their regular-season win total for the fourth consecutive year.
These achievements reflected the franchise’s progress during a period of significant attention and development.
Early Career and Contributions to Women’s Basketball
Before establishing herself as a professional basketball executive, Krauskopf played college basketball at Texas A&M University.
Her experience as a student-athlete helped shape her understanding of the sport and provided a foundation for her future career in basketball administration.
Following college, she served as an assistant commissioner for the Southwest Conference, gaining experience in athletic management and conference operations.
When the WNBA was established in 1996, Krauskopf joined the newly formed league as its first director of operations.
In that role, she became involved in the early development of a professional basketball organization that would create new opportunities for female athletes across the United States.
Her work during the league’s formative years contributed to her reputation as an experienced administrator in women’s basketball.
Involvement With USA Basketball
Krauskopf’s contributions extended beyond the Indiana Fever and the WNBA.
Throughout her career, she participated in three different selection committees for the USA Basketball women’s national team across multiple Olympic cycles.
These responsibilities placed her among the experienced basketball professionals involved in evaluating talent for international competition.
Her participation in national team selection processes further demonstrated her involvement in the broader development of women’s basketball.
The experience also connected her work at the professional level with the international basketball community.
A Lasting Legacy in Professional Basketball
Krauskopf’s career reflects the growth of women’s professional basketball over the past three decades.
From helping launch the WNBA to guiding the Indiana Fever through championship campaigns and serving in NBA management, she has held leadership positions across several important stages of the sport’s development.
Her involvement with the Fever included periods of competitive success, organizational change, and renewed efforts to strengthen the franchise.
She also helped establish a path for women seeking executive opportunities in professional basketball.
Her departure represents the end of another significant chapter in her long association with Indiana basketball.
The Bottom Line
Kelly Krauskopf’s decision to step down as Indiana Fever president concludes a leadership tenure closely connected to the franchise’s history.
Her career includes the Fever’s 2012 WNBA championship, multiple playoff appearances, a historic appointment with the Indiana Pacers, and contributions to the early development of the WNBA.
As the Indiana Fever prepare for their next leadership chapter, Krauskopf leaves behind a record of organizational development and professional basketball achievements that spans nearly three decades.
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Last modified: October 24, 2026
