The Indiana Fever confirmed Thursday that star guard Caitlin Clark will not return for the rest of the 2025 WNBA season. Clark has been sidelined since suffering a right groin injury on July 15 against the Connecticut Sun and later developed a bone bruise during her recovery. Despite aggressive rehabilitation and a strong push to rejoin the team, both Clark and the organization agreed that the limited time left in the regular season made a safe comeback unrealistic. The decision places her long-term health above short-term gains as Indiana eyes next year.
Clark’s second professional season has been derailed by setbacks after a breakout rookie campaign in which she earned Rookie of the Year honors. She appeared in just 13 games this year, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5 rebounds, before her injuries forced her to the sidelines. For the first time in her collegiate or pro career, she has missed significant time, a frustrating reality that she acknowledged in a statement thanking fans and teammates for their support throughout her recovery process.
The loss of Clark adds to an already challenging year for the Fever, who have seen several other players—including Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, and Chloe Bibby—ruled out for the season. Even with the injuries, Indiana remains in the playoff picture, currently holding the 8th seed with a 21–20 record and three games to go.
The announcement drew an outpouring of support from across the basketball world. LeBron James was among those to send well wishes, encouraging Clark with a message that framed the setback as temporary and her eventual return as even stronger. The Fever’s front office echoed those sentiments, underscoring their belief in her resilience and emphasizing that her recovery is the top priority ahead of the 2026 season.
