Indiana Fever Star Becomes Puma Athlete — With a Tyrese Haliburton Twist

Kelsey Mitchell, the standout guard for the Indiana Fever, has taken a significant step in her professional journey by signing an endorsement deal with Puma. This move marks a notable moment in her career, aligning her with the brand known for its athletic wear and footwear. The announcement came just days after the release of a promotional video featuring Mitchell alongside Tyrese Haliburton, the star point guard for the Indiana Pacers. The collaboration between Mitchell and Haliburton appears to be more than coincidental, as both athletes hail from Indiana and share a deep connection to the state's basketball culture.

The partnership between Mitchell and Puma was announced through a press release that highlighted the shared vision of Haliburton in building a strong roster of athletes for the Puma Hali franchise. According to reports from Sole Retriever, the endorsement deal signifies a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing the brand's presence in the sports world. Haliburton's involvement in the announcement was evident, as he participated in a promotional campaign that included a commercial for Puma and Puma Hoops. This collaboration underscores the growing influence of athletes in shaping brand partnerships and marketing strategies.

Mitchell's career trajectory has been impressive since her debut in the WNBA. Drafted second overall by the Indiana Fever in 2018, she quickly established herself as a top performer. Her achievements include earning All-Rookie honors and becoming a three-time All-Star. In 2025, she was selected for the All-WNBA team, solidifying her status as one of the league's premier three-point shooters. Her consistent performance has not gone unnoticed, and her recent milestone of reaching 700 career made 3s highlights her dedication and skill on the court.

Despite challenges faced by the Indiana Fever during the previous season, particularly due to injuries affecting key players such as Caitlin Clark, Mitchell and Aliyah Boston played pivotal roles in guiding the team to the WNBA semifinals. Their efforts culminated in a hard-fought loss to the Las Vegas Aces, who went on to become the league champions. The success of the team under these circumstances speaks volumes about Mitchell's leadership and resilience.

In addition to her on-court contributions, Mitchell's financial commitment to the team has also been significant. She signed a $1.4 million supermax contract with the Fever in April, reflecting the organization's confidence in her abilities. As of now, she leads the team in scoring with an average of 21.6 points per game. Her performance has been crucial in maintaining the team's competitive edge, especially as they prepare for upcoming matchups against formidable opponents like the Aces.

Looking ahead, the Indiana Fever will take a well-deserved break following their current schedule, with a planned four-game road trip set to begin on July 5 against the Aces in Las Vegas. This period of rest will allow Mitchell and her teammates to recharge and focus on refining their strategies for future games. As the WNBA season progresses, the synergy between Mitchell and Puma, along with the potential for further collaborations with other athletes, could shape the landscape of women's basketball and brand endorsements in the coming seasons.