WNBA star Caitlin Clark to remain sidelined throughout the rest of the current season due to illness.
Indiana Fever Face Challenges as Caitlin Clark Out for Rest of Season
The Indiana Fever, currently vying for a playoff spot with a 21-20 record, have been hit by a series of setbacks. Star guard Caitlin Clark, who won the Rookie of the Year award last season, has announced she will miss the rest of the 2025 WNBA season due to a groin injury.
Clark, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, helped Indiana clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2016. Her presence on the court also attracted new fans to the WNBA, known as the "Caitlin Clark effect."
In her 13 regular season games, Clark averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. However, she suffered a bone bruise on her left ankle in August during a workout and a groin injury on July 15, 2025, which has kept her out of action since.
During her recovery, Clark has been able to do up-and-down 5-on-0 and shooting, but not much contact. Fever head coach Stephanie White confirmed that Clark has not been able to do a lot of contact during her recovery.
The Fever used a West Coast trip to evaluate Clark's status, but she has not been able to return to the court. Clark shared on her social media that she will not be returning to play this season.
In addition to Clark, the Fever are also dealing with hardship contracts for Chloe Bibby, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald, and five players with season-ending injuries. Myisha Hines-Allen, who suffered a foot fracture, is signed with the Fever on a hardship contract basis.
The Fever will face the Chicago Sky at home on Friday, September 5, with the Sky missing Angel Reese due to suspension. The game will be a tough test for the Fever, who are looking to secure a playoff spot despite the challenges they are facing.
Clark expressed gratitude to the fans who continued to support her and the Fever during her injury, and she also expressed pride in the team's resilience and strength through adversity this season. Despite her absence, Clark's impact on the team and the WNBA will continue to be felt.
Allisha Gray and A'ja Wilson were named the WNBA Players of the Month for August, and the Fever will be looking for them to lead the team in Clark's absence. The Fever's resilience and determination will be put to the test as they fight for a playoff spot in the remaining games of the season.
