WNBA fans were dealt a heartbreaking blow Thursday evening when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark confirmed her 2025 season has ended prematurely.
The league’s 2024 No. 1 pick, who hasn’t played since mid-July, announced on social media that she won’t return for the remainder of the year, leaving fans and teammates disappointed.
Lingering Injuries Sideline the Superstar
Clark, just 23, has battled multiple injuries this season.
After sustaining a groin injury in the final minute of the Fever’s July 15 win over the Connecticut Sun, she was forced out of the WNBA 3-point contest and All-Star game, where she was slated to serve as a captain.
Her troubles weren’t limited to that one injury.
Earlier in the season, Clark missed time due to left quad and left groin strains, and she also suffered a bone bruise in her left ankle during an August workout.
The persistent setbacks have limited her to just 13 games in her second WNBA season.
“I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season,” Clark wrote on social media Thursday.
“Disappointed isn’t a big enough word to describe how I am feeling.
I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there.”
Gratitude Amid Frustration
Despite the setbacks, Clark expressed gratitude to fans and teammates for their support.
“The way the fans continued to show up for me, and for the Fever, brought me so much joy and important perspective,” she said.
“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.”
Fever Hold Out Hope Until the Last Moment
Just days earlier, Fever head coach Stephanie White had hoped Clark might return before the regular season ended.
Clark had been participating in limited full-court drills without defense and remained restricted to shooting and individual work.
“She’s working as hard as she can to make sure that she is coming back or is capable of coming back,” White told reporters.
“The long-term viewpoint of her health and wellness is the most important thing.”
Season Statistics and Career Impact
Clark finishes her second season averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game.
Fever COO and GM Amber Cox acknowledged the effort Clark put into recovery:
“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,” Cox said.
The injury-filled season marks a stark contrast to Clark’s prior success.
She had never missed a game in college with the Iowa Hawkeyes or during her rookie WNBA campaign, where she won Rookie of the Year.
Fever Fight for Playoffs Amid Injury Crisis
With Clark sidelined, Indiana now faces a tough final push for the playoffs, competing for one of three postseason spots alongside the Golden State Valkyries, Seattle Storm, and Los Angeles Sparks.
The Fever have been ravaged by injuries across the roster, including guards Aari McDonald (foot), Sydney Colson (knee), and Sophie Cunningham (knee), as well as forward Chloe Bibby (knee), who was ruled out earlier Thursday.
While Clark’s season ends on a disappointing note, the Fever will lean on their remaining players as they fight for a playoff berth and hope to preserve the promise of the young superstar for next season.