The Indiana Fever will be without Caitlin Clark for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season. The team announced Thursday that the star guard’s groin injury, sustained in the game before the All-Star break, will sideline her until 2026.
It’s a devastating blow for both Clark and the Fever, as the sophomore standout had already faced multiple setbacks this year. She first missed time with a quad strain earlier in the season, then aggravated her recovery with a bone bruise during her rehab. While Clark made it back to shootarounds, she was never cleared for full 5-on-5 contact.
“Caitlin has worked so hard throughout this time, doing everything possible to recover and return to the court, but, ultimately, time is not on our side,” Fever COO and GM Amber Cox said in a statement. “There is not enough time left in our season for her to safely return, and her long-term health and well-being remains our top priority. We are looking forward to having her back at full strength to start the 2026 season.”
Clark also shared her disappointment directly with fans on X:
“I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season. I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there, disappointed isn’t a big enough word to describe how I am feeling. I want to thank everyone who had my back through all the uncertainty. The way the fans continued to show up for me, and for the Fever, brought me so much joy and perspective. I am so proud of how this team has only gotten stronger through adversity this year. Now it’s time to close out the season and claim our spot in the Playoffs.”
I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season. I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there, disappointed isn’t a big enough word to describe how I am feeling. I want to thank everyone who had my back… pic.twitter.com/paD5sEYG1q
Despite appearing in just 13 games this season, Clark showcased her impact, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5 rebounds in 31.1 minutes per game.
Her absence adds to a year filled with injuries across the Fever roster, but the team remains in playoff contention — now with the challenge of closing the season without their franchise star.
