Caitlin Clark ruled out for remainder of Fever season. Here's why

Caitlin Clark will miss the remainder of the Indiana Fever’s season due to a right groin injury. The setback occurred in a July 15 matchup against the Connecticut Sun, after which she was also diagnosed with a bone bruise. The former Iowa standout, now in her second WNBA season, appeared in 13 games before being sidelined. She averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds, continuing to establish herself as one of the league’s rising stars before the injury cut her season short.

"I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season," Clark said in a statement posted on social media.

"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," she added.



"This has been incredibly frustrating, but even in the bad, there is good. The way the fans continued to show up for me, and for the Fever, brought me so much joy and important 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."

Clark had been working toward a return in hopes of helping the Fever push for a second straight postseason appearance. She even took part in light shootaround activity Tuesday night, going through full-court, non-contact drills before Indiana’s matchup with the Phoenix Mercury.

"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.


"While we will continue working with Caitlin and provide her with every resource we have available, 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."

Indiana sits in eighth place in the standings, holding a 1-1/2-game lead over Los Angeles with three contests remaining. It has been a challenging season for Clark, who has also battled injuries to her left quad and left groin.

Despite her setbacks, Clark’s impact on the sport has been undeniable. She has been a driving force in the growth of women’s basketball, first at Iowa and now in the WNBA.