Caitlin Clark Injury Update: Fever Star's Back Issue and Record-Breaking Potential Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Indiana Fever, remains on the injury report as the team prepares for a crucial road matchup against the Golden State Valkyries. Despite a three-game winning streak for the Fever, Clark’s ongoing back issues have been a recurring concern throughout the season. The latest update indicates she is listed as probable for Thursday night’s game, though her participation remains uncertain. Clark’s injury history has been marked by setbacks. During the season opener, she required a back adjustment after the Fever’s victory over the Dallas Wings. This led to her absence for the May 20 game against the Portland Fire, which she was ruled out of just two hours before tipoff due to back soreness. The WNBA issued a formal warning about the handling of her scratch, noting that she was not listed on the injury report the day prior to the game. However, Clark returned five days later, contributing 22 points and nine assists in a 90-82 win over the Valkyries. Head coach Stephanie White addressed the league’s concerns directly, emphasizing the need for transparency. She confirmed that Clark will be listed as probable on the injury report moving forward to avoid similar policy issues. “Just to make sure there’s clarity and no issues with league policy, I think we will. You can expect to see it probable going forward,” White stated. Clark herself acknowledged that her injury would be reported as “soreness” in future games. If Clark plays tonight, the Valkyries face a significant challenge. Her performance in the previous matchup against Golden State showcased her impact: she scored 22 points on seven of 15 field goals, including four three-pointers, and added nine assists.#caitlin_clark #wnba #indiana_fever #stephanie_white #golden_state_valkyries
Caitlin Clark Returns to Court with Fever, Secures Preseason Victory NEW YORK -- In her first WNBA action since mid-July, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark contributed seven points, four assists, and three rebounds in under 17 minutes as the Fever defeated the New York Liberty 109-91 in their preseason opener on Saturday. The game marked Clark’s return to the court after a challenging 2025 season, during which she played only 13 games due to injuries. Her previous game back came last month, when she represented USA Basketball and earned MVP honors at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in San Juan. Despite the non-counting nature of the preseason matchup, Clark expressed immense excitement about rejoining the team. “Super, super excited” she said, emphasizing the significance of being able to “lace up her shoes” after a season marred by limited playing time. “I didn’t really get to do that very much,” she added, reflecting on her reduced role in 2025. Her enthusiasm was evident as she quickly found her rhythm, hitting her first two shots for five points in the opening 71 seconds. However, she struggled with subsequent attempts, missing eight of her next nine field goals. Clark’s impact extended beyond her scoring, as she showcased her leadership and court vision. Fever coach Stephanie White praised her composure, noting that “she didn’t force anything” and played with “great intention.” White highlighted the team’s adaptation to her presence, stating, “We play differently when she’s on the floor.” The coach acknowledged the challenges of translating her international success to the WNBA, where opponents employ different defensive strategies. “We’ve just got to find ways to free her up to get her some easy looks,” White said, underscoring the team’s focus on optimizing her role.#san_juan #caitlin_clark #indiana_fever #new_york_liberty
Caitlin Clark's New Fever Teammate Was Once Waved Off by Her in College The Indiana Fever’s newest addition, Raven Johnson, who was selected with the 10th overall pick in the WNBA Draft, will now face Caitlin Clark in the professional arena after a contentious moment during their college careers. The two players, who were on opposing teams during the 2023 NCAA women’s Final Four, had a tense interaction that sparked widespread attention and controversy. During the championship game between Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and South Carolina’s Raven Johnson, Clark was tasked with guarding Johnson. However, in a pivotal moment, Clark waved Johnson off to double-team another South Carolina player. The clip of this incident quickly went viral, leading to significant backlash against Johnson. She later revealed that the online mockery she faced as a result of the moment contributed to her desire to distance herself from the sport temporarily. Johnson reflected on the incident during an interview on the “I AM NEXT” podcast in March, stating, “I was all over the internet. That’s one reason I hate the internet now, because of that situation. I got bashed, I got bullied, I got called all these things I wasn’t, aka like a monkey and things like that, and I just think I wanted to quit basketball at that time, and I just wanted to go in this little bubble of isolation and just be by myself.” Despite the negative experience, Johnson expressed excitement about joining the Fever and playing alongside Clark. When asked which new teammate she was most eager to play with, Johnson immediately responded, “Caitlin Clark. She’s a phenomenal player, with the things she does, it’s bar standard. She can shoot the ball, she can lead a team, and they win. She has a winning mentality, and I think that’s the biggest thing.#caitlin_clark #indiana_fever #wnba_draft #raven_johnson #i_am_next_podcast
Caitlin Clark Reacts to Connor McCaffery's Butler Exit Connor McCaffery’s decision to leave the Butler Bulldogs coaching staff has sparked immediate attention, particularly from his girlfriend, Caitlin Clark. The young assistant coach, who spent two seasons guiding the program, announced his departure through Instagram, sharing a reflective post that highlighted his gratitude for the opportunity and excitement for his next chapter. While McCaffery did not disclose his future plans, Clark’s response quickly became a viral moment, underscoring the deep connection between the couple. McCaffery joined Butler in 2024 as his first full-time coaching role after a brief stint with the Indiana Pacers. During his time with the Pacers, he served as the Basketball Development Coordinator, overseeing the scout team and assisting with scouting reports. This experience provided him with foundational coaching skills, which he later applied at Butler under head coach Thad Matta. Despite the Bulldogs’ modest 15–20 record in the 2024–25 season and a slightly improved 16–16 mark in 2025–26, McCaffery’s tenure offered valuable exposure to college basketball, even as the team remained a middle-of-the-pack squad in the Big East and missed the NCAA Tournament. Before entering coaching, McCaffery built a reputation as a reliable player during his six seasons at the University of Iowa, where he appeared in 166 games. His basketball legacy is deeply rooted in his family, with his father, Fran McCaffery, leading Iowa’s men’s program and his brothers also involved in the sport. This familial connection has shaped his career trajectory, blending personal passion with professional ambition. Clark and McCaffery’s relationship began in April 2023 while both were at Iowa.#butler_bulldogs #caitlin_clark #thad_matta #indiana_fever #connor_mccaffery
Sophie Cunningham’s future with the Caitlin Clark-led Indiana Fever remains uncertain as the team navigates a pivotal offseason. With Clark anchoring the franchise’s long-term vision, the focus has shifted to assembling a supporting cast that complements her impact. Cunningham, who played a key role last season, now faces a critical decision as the Fever balances financial constraints, roster priorities, and the competitive WNBA landscape. The situation took shape during the WNBA expansion draft, where Cunningham was not selected by either the Portland Fire or Toronto Tempo. Both new franchises opted for higher-profile free agents, leaving Cunningham unprotected. While this outcome was anticipated—given the limited number of unrestricted free agents each expansion team could target—it raised questions about her value to Indiana. The Fever’s decision to leave her unprotected was likely a calculated risk, as Cunningham’s shooting ability and physicality made her an attractive option for other teams. Before a season-ending knee injury cut her campaign short, she averaged 8.6 points per game, providing spacing and defensive toughness. Her role as a complementary player to Clark was evident, as she excelled in creating space off the ball, maintaining perimeter defense, and adding grit to the backcourt. Cunningham’s profile has grown significantly since joining the Fever, and her skills align with the demand for reliable wing shooters in free agency. Teams seeking a proven performer with experience could easily come calling, especially as the WNBA’s salary cap tightens. However, Indiana’s financial situation complicates her potential return.#caitlin_clark #wnba #indiana_fever #aliyah_boston #kelsey_mitchell
Jalen Rose Praises Caitlin Clark's Impact on Basketball, Shares Insights on Health and Team Dynamics Jalen Rose, the former Indiana Pacers star and Michigan Wolverines legend, took to the stage in Indianapolis during the Final Four to moderate a panel discussion featuring Caitlin Clark, the star guard of the Indiana Fever, and Darryn Peterson, a rising NBA prospect. The event, hosted by the Lilly Foundation, focused on the importance of prioritizing athlete health, a theme that resonated deeply with Rose, who emphasized the sacrifices and discipline required to excel in sports. Rose, who played for the Pacers from 1996 to 2002, reflected on his own journey and the support he received from Indiana fans, a group he described as uniquely welcoming despite his roots in Michigan. During the panel, Rose highlighted Clark’s transformative influence on college basketball and the WNBA, calling her a “great ambassador” for the sport. He praised her professionalism, discipline, and ability to overcome challenges such as injuries and criticism. Rose noted that Clark’s impact extended beyond her on-court performance, as she redefined the standards of excellence in women’s basketball. “How you’ve changed the game not only collegiately but professionally, and how disciplined you are, how professional you are, how well you respect your teammates, how you’re all about winning— that’s to be admired,” he said. Clark, reflecting on her time with the Indiana Fever, shared how the team’s fan base has evolved since her arrival. She recalled the early days of the franchise, when the team struggled to attract large crowds, and contrasted that with the current enthusiasm for the Fever.#dusty_may #caitlin_clark #jalen_rose #indiana_fever #lilly_foundation
What the Indiana Fever Can Actually Spend in Free Agency The Indiana Fever face a complex free agency landscape as they prepare to navigate the 2026 WNBA season, with significant changes to the league’s salary cap and contract structures reshaping their financial flexibility. The new collective bargaining agreement has raised the salary cap to $7 million for the upcoming season, a shift that impacts how the team allocates its resources. With the majority of their 2025 roster set to become free agents, the Fever must balance retaining key players, addressing positional needs, and managing the cap constraints to build a competitive team for the future. Central to the Fever’s strategy is the retention of their franchise cornerstones, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, who are not free agents. These two, along with rookie Makayla Timpson, form the core of the team’s current roster and are under contract through the 2026 season. Their presence provides stability, but the team must also prioritize re-signing star guard Kelsey Mitchell, whose return is considered the top priority. Mitchell, a supermax-eligible player, would command a guaranteed $1.4 million in salary under the new agreement, further tightening the team’s financial window. The Fever’s free agency budget is constrained by the requirement to maintain a 12-player roster, which limits the number of additional signings they can make. Assuming Mitchell is re-signed, the team would have approximately $400,000 per player allocated for the remaining spots, based on the average salary of just over $583,000 for 2026. Minimum salaries for players vary depending on years of service, ranging from $270,000 to $300,000.#caitlin_clark #indiana_fever #aliyah_boston #kelsey_mitchell #jocelyn_hull
Indiana Fever's 2026 Free Agency Outlook: Key Players and Contract Status The Indiana Fever’s 2026 season will feature only three players under guaranteed contracts, a stark contrast to previous years, due to the league’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The agreement, finalized in late 2025, has reshaped free agency rules, pushing most veteran players into free agent status for the 2026 season. The Fever’s roster for the upcoming season is now defined by a mix of core players, restricted free agents, and unrestricted free agents, with significant implications for the team’s future. The new CBA has created a system where players with fewer than six years of service can be “cored” by their teams, meaning their teams have the right to match any offer they receive. This change has led to a wave of free agency across the league, with the Fever’s roster being a prime example. The team’s current roster includes three players under contract for 2026: Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Makayla Timpson. The remaining players, including key contributors like Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, and Sophie Cunningham, will enter the 2026 free agency market with varying degrees of control over their futures. Caitlin Clark, the league’s reigning MVP finalist, is in her third year of her rookie contract with the Fever. Under the old CBA, the team would have needed to pick up her team option for 2027 ahead of the 2026 season. However, the new agreement allows Clark to pursue a max extension in 2027 due to her inclusion on the 2024 All-WNBA first team. Despite a shortened 2025 season due to injuries, Clark averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, solidifying her status as one of the league’s top players.#caitlin_clark #indiana_fever #collective_bargaining_agreement #aliyah_boston #makayla_timpson
Hannah Hidalgo calls Mikayla Blakes 'Caitlin-type of level' scorer FORT WORTH, Texas — Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo described Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes as a scorer operating at a level comparable to Caitlin Clark, highlighting Blakes’ ability to score from all areas of the court. Ahead of their matchup in the Fort Worth 1 Regional semifinal, Hidalgo emphasized Blakes’ versatility during a pregame news conference. “The way she’s able to put the ball in the hoop, it’s like Caitlin-type of level,” Hidalgo said. “She can score on all three levels, whether that’s getting all the way to the basket, her midrange, or her three. Of course, that’s always tough to guard.” Blakes, who leads the nation in scoring with an average of 27 points per game, is on track for SEC Player of the Year honors. Hidalgo, ranked third nationally in scoring at 25.2 points per game, is a dual threat for Notre Dame, leading the nation in steals and earning ACC Player and Defensive Player of the Year accolades. Both players have faced each other before, with Blakes recalling their high school rivalry in New Jersey, where Hidalgo’s team emerged victorious. “It was a show. Two dynamic guards. I had to guard her the whole game,” Hidalgo said. “I think just her ability to do what she does, the things that she brings to her team is so different.” The matchup between Blakes and Hidalgo is significant, as it marks their first college encounter. Despite media focus on their individual skills, both players downplayed the personal aspect. “It’s not about me versus Mikayla,” Hidalgo said. “It’s about Notre Dame versus Vanderbilt. It’s really just the way that we’re going to win the game tomorrow is by playing together like we’ve been doing the past couple of months.#hannah_hidalgo #notre_dame #caitlin_clark #mikayla_blakes #fort_worth_1_regional
Caitlin Clark's Salary Under New WNBA CBA Set to Surge Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Indiana Fever, is poised to see a dramatic increase in her earnings under the newly negotiated WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The league’s updated salary structure, which includes provisions like the "EPIC" (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract) clause, is designed to reward high-performing players with faster pathways to max and supermax contracts. The new CBA introduces a minimum salary of $270,000, a significant jump from the previous supermax of $249,000. For Clark, this means her earnings will rise substantially. As a rookie in 2024, she earned $76,535, and her 2025 salary was $78,066. Under the old system, she would have been due $85,973 for her third season in 2026 and would have remained under contract until 2027. Now, she is projected to make $530,000 in 2026, a figure highlighted by ESPN’s Alexa Phillippou as an example of the EPIC provision. Clark’s salary is expected to climb further. If she maintains her All-WNBA team status, her 2027 salary could reach a projected maximum of $1.3 million. By 2028, she may qualify for a $1.7 million supermax deal. These figures reflect the league’s new approach to compensating players based on performance and early success, with the EPIC clause allowing top performers to bypass traditional salary progression timelines. The WNBA’s new salary cap, tied to league revenue, also plays a role in shaping future earnings. Current projections suggest the top salary could rise to $2.4 million by 2032, driven by revenue growth. This shift aligns with players’ demands during CBA negotiations, which emphasized fair compensation based on league profitability. Beyond base salaries, Clark is eligible for performance-based bonuses.#espn #caitlin_clark #wnba #indiana_fever #epic_clause
USA Women Defeat Puerto Rico in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The U.S. women’s national team claimed its second victory in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, defeating host Puerto Rico 91-48. However, the win came with notable challenges, as the team struggled to maintain its usual rhythm. Caitlin Clark, who scored eight points, acknowledged the game’s uneven nature, calling it “a little clunky.” She noted that the team did not play to its full potential, despite a strong performance in their previous game against Senegal. The U.S. team’s performance against Puerto Rico contrasted sharply with their earlier win. On Wednesday, the squad displayed exceptional offensive flow and chemistry, appearing as if they had been playing together for a long time. This cohesion was absent in Thursday’s game, where the U.S. faced difficulties moving the ball, lost momentum, and committed 14 turnovers. Clark attributed part of the struggle to Puerto Rico’s zone defense, which disrupted the team’s transition game. However, she emphasized that many of the mistakes were self-inflicted, stemming from lapses in defensive coverage and communication. Head coach Kara Lawson echoed Clark’s assessment, stating that the team’s breakdowns resulted from a combination of factors. She highlighted the importance of precise defensive execution and adapting to opponents’ increased skill levels. “When your opponent increases in difficulty, they have more skill and power to exploit the things we are not doing well,” Lawson said. The coach also stressed the need for the team to refine its strategies as they continue to build chemistry. Despite having some of the world’s top basketball talent, Team USA is still in the process of developing team identity and cohesion.#paige_bueckers #kara_lawson #caitlin_clark #usa_women_team #fiba_world_cup_qualifiers
Caitlin Clark delivers standout performance as USA Basketball dominates Spain in FIBA World Cup qualifier Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the United States women’s national team, showcased her elite skills during a decisive 84-70 victory over Spain in the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament. The 24-year-old averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 assists across the Americans’ five-game qualifying campaign, with her contributions pivotal in securing a perfect 5-0 record. In the matchup against Spain, Clark tallied 7 points and 7 assists, complementing the efforts of team leaders Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum, who scored 20 and 18 points respectively. The game unfolded with the U.S. maintaining a commanding lead throughout, highlighted by Clark’s dynamic playmaking. In the first quarter, Clark opened the scoring with a three-pointer and two free throws, finishing with 2 assists as the U.S. built an early 8-5 advantage. Her ability to transition the ball quickly was evident when she delivered a long pass to Paige Bueckers during a critical moment in the second quarter. By halftime, the U.S. led 44-32, with Kelsey Plum leading the charge with 10 points. Clark’s impact continued in the third quarter, where she assisted Kahleah Copper and Paige Buckers on three-pointers while also recording a steal. Her playmaking prowess was on full display as the U.S. extended its lead to 61-47 by the end of the third period. The final quarter saw the Americans cruise to victory, with Clark’s composure and leadership helping the team secure the win. The U.S. team, already qualified for the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Berlin, Germany, used the tournament to prepare younger players for future international competitions.#usa_basketball #kelsey_plum #caitlin_clark #fiba_world_cup #kahleah_copper
USA Women's Basketball Dominates Spain in FIBA Qualifier The United States women’s basketball team secured a resounding 84-70 victory over Spain on Tuesday, completing a flawless 5-0 performance in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The win solidified the Americans’ dominance in the competition, with standout performances from key players like Kahleah Copper, Kelsey Plum, and Caitlin Clark. Copper led the team with 20 points, while Plum added 18 and Dearica Hamby contributed 14. Caitlin Clark, known for her playmaking, recorded seven points and seven assists, showcasing her impact on both ends of the court. Paige Bueckers also played a role, scoring nine points to bolster the team’s offensive output. The victory marked the culmination of a successful tournament for the U.S. squad, which had already defeated Senegal, Puerto Rico, Italy, and New Zealand. Head coach Kara Lawson, who previously coached Duke University’s women’s team, guided the squad to a perfect record. The tournament, part of the path to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany, saw the U.S. team maintain its high level of play throughout the competition. The final game against Spain was a testament to the team’s depth and preparation, with the Americans maintaining a commanding lead from the outset. The U.S. team’s schedule in Puerto Rico included a series of high-scoring wins, with notable margins such as 110-46 against Senegal and 101-46 against New Zealand. The final showdown against Spain saw the Americans take control early, with a 12-point lead at halftime and a 20-point advantage by the end of the third quarter. The final score of 84-70 underscored the team’s ability to execute under pressure and capitalize on opportunities.#kelsey_plum #usa_women_basketball #fiba_qualifier #kara_lawson #caitlin_clark
