Caitlin Clark to miss the rest of
the Fever’s season because of a right groin injury
[September 05, 2025]
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark will miss the rest of the Indiana
Fever’s season because of a right groin injury.
“I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning
to play this season,” Clark said in a statement. “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.
“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 was injured late in a July 15 game against the Connecticut
Sun, and later sustained a bone bruise. The former Iowa star
averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 13 games in
her second season in the WNBA.
“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.”
The 2024 Rookie of the Year had been trying to get back to help her
team reach the postseason for a second straight year. She
participated in full-court drills without defense during a
shootaround before the Fever faced the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday
night. Coach Stephanie White said Thursday at practice that Clark
hasn’t done much contact work yet.
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Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, right, gives autographs to young fans
before a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Friday,
Aug. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana is currently in eighth place in the
standings, 1 1/2 games in front of Los Angeles with three games to
play.
It has been a rough season for Clark, who also dealt with injuries
to her left quad and left groin. This was the first time she’s had
injury issues. She never missed a game in her collegiate career at
Iowa or her first year in the WNBA.
"Minor setback for a MAJOR COMEBACK!! Rest up, get healthy and be
YOU!" NBA star LeBron James said on social media.
The Fever have lost five players for the season with injuries now
including Clark. Fellow guards Sydney Colson (knee), Aari McDonald
(foot) Sophie Cunningham (knee) and forward Chloe Bibby (knee) are
also out.
Clark has helped women’s basketball grow in both college and the
WNBA. The league had record attendance this season even with Clark
missing most of the season.
___
AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg contributed to this report.
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