— Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie guard, announced she will miss the rest of the 2025 WNBA season after a series of lower‑body injuries sustained during the year, leaving the team to finish the campaign without its leading playmaker.
Key Takeaways
- Clark confirmed on Sept. 5 she will not return this season following multiple injuries.
- She first strained her left quadriceps on May 24 against the New York Liberty.
- Clark suffered a left groin injury in June and a right groin injury in July.
- The Fever must proceed without Clark as they pursue a postseason berth.
- Clark broke the WNBA rookie single‑season assist record last year and quickly became a top draw for the league.
- The decision follows weeks of rehabilitation and attempted returns that did not clear her to play.
Verified Facts
According to Clark’s public statement on Sept. 5, 2025, she will not return to play this season. Team and league communications confirm the timeline of injuries: a left quadriceps strain occurred during the May 24 game versus the New York Liberty, followed by a left groin issue in June and a right groin injury in July.
Clark spent much of the summer in treatment and training aimed at returning to competition. In her announcement she described repeated efforts to rehabilitate and prepare, but said those attempts were not enough to clear her for game action.
Last season Clark set the WNBA rookie record for assists in a single season, and her play and media presence have been associated with increased attention to the league. The Fever now face roster and rotation adjustments as they move into the final stretch of the regular season.
Context & Impact
Clark’s absence removes a primary ball‑handler and creator from Indiana’s lineup. Coaching staff will need to redistribute minutes and responsibilities among existing guards and wing players, and the team’s offensive schemes may be altered to compensate for the loss of her playmaking.
Beyond on‑court consequences, Clark’s profile has been a major driver of viewership and media interest. The team and league may see short‑term dips in attention while Clark is sidelined, though other storylines and players can counterbalance that effect.
For Clark personally, the priority is recovery and long‑term health. Skipping the remainder of a season is a common medical decision intended to avoid re‑injury and preserve an athlete’s career longevity.
Official Statements
I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season. I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there…
Caitlin Clark (public statement/Twitter)
Unconfirmed
- No public medical report has provided detailed diagnostic imaging or a specific timeline for full recovery beyond Clark’s season‑ending decision.
- Claims that league viewership will fall by specific percentages while Clark is out remain speculative.
Bottom Line
Caitlin Clark’s decision to forego the rest of the 2025 WNBA season follows a string of lower‑body injuries and is framed as a medical and career‑management choice. Indiana will adapt its rotation down the stretch while Clark focuses on rehabilitation with long‑term health as the priority.