Tamika Catchings joins Pacers Sports & Entertainment as ambassador

Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings has been named the first ambassador for Pacers Sports and Entertainment.
She played her entire 16-year WNBA career with the Fever, leading them to a championship in 2012.
Following her retirement, Catchings has remained active in the Indianapolis community through business and charity work.

INDIANAPOLIS — Pacers Sports and Entertainment is getting a familiar face as its new ambassador.

Tamika Catchings, an Indiana Fever legend, has joined the organization as its first ambassador. She will serve as one of the faces of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, attending events and helping with business initiatives.

“Indiana has been my home since I was drafted by the Indiana Fever, and Pacers Sports & Entertainment played such an important role in my life and my journey,” Catchings said. “I’m thrilled to step into this new ambassador role and continue serving the communities, families and fans that make this place so special. I can’t wait to work alongside the Fever, the Pacers and my PS&E family to help strengthen the impact we can make together.”

Catchings, the only MVP in Fever franchise history, played her entire 16-year WNBA career in Indiana. She is the Fever’s career leading scorer and led them to their 2012 championship.

She stayed active in the Indianapolis community following her retirement in 2016, opening up Tea’s Me Cafe downtown. She also co-founded the Catch the Stars Foundation, a youth development program that includes sports and literacy. Catchings spoke with media Tuesday at her local cafe.

“When you look at impact, there are a lot of ways you could measure that. For me, one thing I’ve always said is wherever I go, and whatever space I’m able to move into, I want to make sure I leave it better than when I came in, and that’s the same in this aspect,” Catchings said. “It’s a different landscape than when I left (the WNBA) and definitely when I started back in 2001. So, there’s still going to be a little transition for me stepping back in.

“But being able to hopefully interact with the players and for them to have a leader and somebody that’s been in their shoes before, seeing all the things I’ve been able to do outside of what the game gave me when I played and now building up for the future, I think that’s where my impact can come in as one of those people they can look at and say, ‘Hey, one day this might be something that I could step into.'”

Catchings was the co-chair of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend host committee, as well as on the board for 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis.

“Tamika Catchings is synonymous with basketball excellence, leadership and community commitment in Indiana,” PS&E President and CEO Mel Raines said. “Her legacy as a champion along with her deep connection to our fans and her passion for uplifting others align perfectly with our mission. We are honored to welcome her back in an official capacity and excited for the impact she will make across our organization and community.”

Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter.