Introduction
Caitlin Clark, the electrifying guard for the Indiana Fever and 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, has captivated fans with her unprecedented scoring and passing. However, as the 2025 season nears its conclusion, Clark’s absence has become a central storyline. This article explores exactly what happened, why she’s not playing, and what the future holds.
1. How It All Started: The Injuries Stack Up
Clark entered her sophomore WNBA season with sky-high expectations. But her 2025 campaign was derailed early. On May 26, she suffered a left quadriceps strain that sidelined her for at least two weeks. This was the first of several soft-tissue injuries that hampered her season.
In late June, she developed a left groin injury, forcing another absence. Despite rehabilitating and returning to form briefly, her resilience was put to the test by a more serious setback.
2. The Game-Changer: Right Groin Injury on July 15
On July 15, during a close game against the Connecticut Sun, Clark sustained a right groin injury in the final minutes—an event that would ultimately end her season.
Shortly thereafter, she also suffered a bone bruise in her left ankle while recuperating.
3. The Announcement: Season Over
On September 4, 2025, Caitlin publicly confirmed that she would not return for the remainder of the season, stating:
“I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season… Disappointed isn’t a big enough word to describe how I am feeling.”
Indiana Fever management echoed her sentiment. COO/GM Amber Cox emphasized that “time is not on our side,” and prioritized Clark’s long-term health, stating she’s expected to return for the 2026 season.
4. What This Means for Clark and the Fever
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Player Impact:
Clark ended her sophomore season averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over just 13 games—a significant drop from her rookie year stats. Her absence marks a stark contrast to her relentless availability as an “iron woman” during college and her rookie WNBA season. -
Team Performance:
Despite losing Clark and several other key players (e.g., Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, Chloe Bibby), the Fever have remained competitive, still holding a postseason spot. The likes of Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston have stepped up to keep the playoff push alive.
5. Why “Not Playing” Isn’t Permanent
Though Clark’s 2025 season has ended prematurely, her career is far from derailed. With deep rehabilitation ahead and priorities set on her long-term wellness, all eyes are now on her return in 2026—where she’ll look to pick up where she left off.
FAQs
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Why isn’t Caitlin Clark playing anymore this season?
She sustained a right groin injury on July 15, was later diagnosed with a bone bruise, and ultimately declared herself out for the rest of the season due to limited recovery time. -
When did she last play?
The last game she played was on July 15, against the Connecticut Sun. -
Was there more than one injury?
Yes. She suffered a left quad strain in May, a left groin injury in June, a right groin injury in July, and a bone bruise in her left ankle during rehabilitation. -
What are her 2025 season averages?
Over 13 games: 16.5 PPG, 8.8 APG, 5.0 RPG. -
When is she expected back?
The Fever have slated her return for the start of the 2026 season, emphasizing long-term health. -
How is the Indiana Fever handling her absence?
Other players like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston have shouldered the load, keeping the team in playoff contention despite injuries. -
Has she ever missed games before?
No—Clark had never missed a game during her four years in college or her rookie WNBA season before the injury-heavy 2025 campaign. Caitlin Clark not playing.
Conclusion
Caitlin Clark’s absence from the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season stems from a cascade of injuries culminating in a right groin injury and bone bruise, leaving insufficient time for a safe return. Despite the setback, team leadership is prioritizing her long-term health, with hopes set on her impactful comeback in 2026.
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