The 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend tipped off in Indianapolis with all the expected fanfare, excitement, and elite competition. But just before the contests even began, a quiet, tender moment between Caitlin Clark and her longtime boyfriend quietly stole the spotlight.
With Clark sidelined due to injury, her absence on the court was palpable. Off it, however, a glimpse into her personal life provided a different kind of highlight.
How Did Caitlin Clark’s Injury Impact All-Star Weekend Plans?
The 3-point contest and skills competition began Friday, July 18, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Fever, kicking off All-Star Weekend. Clark, who was originally slated to participate in the 3-point shootout, had to withdraw due to a right groin injury sustained during Tuesday’s game against the Connecticut Sun.
The injury represents the latest in a string of physical setbacks for Clark this season, following a quad injury and a previous groin issue. While her absence was a blow to both the event and the home crowd’s expectations, she remained present in the arena, supporting her teammates and making her presence known.
That’s when the viral moment happened. As Clark arrived at the arena, smiling, she was greeted by her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery. The two shared a brief, warm embrace, and McCaffery placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Yahoo Sports captured the moment and posted it to X (formerly Twitter), where it quickly amassed over 4 million views, a reminder of Clark’s gravitational pull both on and off the court.
Who Stepped Up to Replace Clark in the 3-Point Contest?
In Clark’s place, Fever sharpshooter Lexie Hull was named as a last-minute addition to the 3-point contest. Hull entered the event with one of the league’s best shooting marks from beyond the arc at 46.8%, and she made her presence felt immediately.
As she walked onto the court, Hull was greeted by fellow Fever stars, including Clark, who was seen hyping up the crowd from the sidelines. Hull made a late push on her final two racks, scoring 20 points and eliminating Sonia Citron in the first round.
However, in the end, Sabrina Ionescu claimed her second WNBA 3-point contest crown. Ionescu scored 30 points in the final round to beat Allisha Gray, becoming just the second player in WNBA history to win the event more than once. She matched Allie Quigley’s accomplishment while still holding onto her 2023 record of 37 points.
Following the win, Ionescu pledged half her winnings to Citron and the other half to her own charitable foundation, further winning the hearts of WNBA fans.
What Makes Clark and McCaffery’s Relationship Work?
Clark and McCaffery have been together for over two years, having met and dated during their time at the University of Iowa. McCaffery, son of celebrated Iowa men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery, played basketball there while Clark rewrote NCAA scoring history.
Geography played a key role in their continued relationship. In September 2024, McCaffery accepted a position as an assistant coach at Butler University, based in Indianapolis, just around 8.3 miles away from the Fever’s home arena. The move allowed the couple to continue growing their relationship while pursuing their respective basketball careers.
Though Clark’s injury ruled her out of both the 3-point contest and the All-Star Game itself, her impact on the weekend was impossible to ignore. Whether it was her viral interaction with McCaffery or her vocal support for Hull from the sidelines, the Fever guard remained a central figure in the festivities, even from off the court.
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