Katie Lou Samuelson has split with the Indiana Fever, and the former No. 4 overall pick will have numerous teams looking to acquire her services for the 2025 WNBA season
Katie Lou Samuelson is looking for a new team after leaving the Indiana Fever (
Katie Lou Samuelson is set to have several teams in pursuit after her shock Indiana Fever exit.
On Monday, the Fever confirmed both the franchise and Sameulson had mutually agreed to end her contract. Caitlin Clark’s team took to X to post: “We have mutually parted ways with forward Katie Lou Samuelson. Wishing you all the best, Lou.”
It is a somewhat surprising move for the Fever, who look to surround Clark with as much talent as possible as they target a first WNBA championship since 2012. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Samuelson signed with the Fever in 2024 having sat out the previous season due to pregnancy.
But she struggled, putting up career lows (since she became a starter) in points (4.3), rebounds (2.3), and assists (1.4). As a result, the forward has been let go and must find a new challenge with what will be her sixth team in as many seasons.
Some teams will be interested in Samuelson, with her 34.9 percent rate from the three-point range remaining attractive. Here are three options for the 27-year-old forward:
Dallas Wings
After losing Satou Sabally and Monique Billings to the Phoenix Mercury and the Golden State Valkyries, respectively, the Dallas Wings are in the market for a forward. NaLyssa Smith has joined from the Fever, but the Wings are still lacking options, which could open the door for a reunion between Samuelson and Smith.
Dallas is in desperate need of reinforcements as the franchise looks up to a brighter future following a difficult 2024 season. The Wings finished second from bottom last year, and Samuelson could help them improve.
Katie Lou Samuelson has impressed with Phantom BC in Unrivaled ( Getty Images) Golden State Valkyries
As the WNBA’s newest team is ready to take to the court in 2025, the Valkyries are set to be active in the free agent market. While the signings of Kate Martin and Tiffany Hayes have significantly strengthened the team, they still need a few pieces.
The Valkyries lack two-way forwards and while Monique Billings and Kayla Thornton are experienced forwards, their lack of offensive output – especially shooting – could be an issue. Samuelson may be the answer.
Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm ignited the offseason with a blockbuster trade, sending Jewell Lloyd to the Las Vegas Aces in a three-team deal that sent Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks and Li Yeuru to Seattle. But the Storm would love to add a three-point shooting forward to the rotation.
Given they only have eight players under contract, the Storm would love to simply add bodies to the rotation. Samuelson is a familiar face in Seattle, as she became a regular WNBA starter with the Storm in 2021.
