As the WNBA regular season ends, the Indiana Fever have secured a playoff berth for the second consecutive year. But they did so without their franchise centerpiece, Caitlin Clark.
The league’s most recognizable star last played July 15 due to a right groin injury. On Sept. 4, the Fever confirmed she would not return this season.
Clark’s absence is part of a broader trend in the WNBA this year: Injuries affected nearly every team and several marquee players.
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On Thursday, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert joined Khristina Williams on the “In Case You Missed It” podcast to discuss the state of the league heading into the playoffs. When asked how the WNBA can maintain momentum amid the loss of star power, Engelbert acknowledged the challenge, citing injury data while emphasizing the resilience of the league’s stars.
“Injuries are one of the toughest things in sports,” Engelbert said. “Our data shows it’s about the same injury rates as last year, but I know that doesn’t make anyone feel any better.”
She also pointed to the league’s depth, saying, “We think we’ve built beyond one player, two players or five players. Every team has to have a roster where people can step up and show up.”
Clark’s Injury Timeline and Impact
Clark’s second professional regular season was marred by a series of injuries:
- May 24: Suffered a left quad strain against the New York Liberty, missed five games.
- June 24: Sustained a left groin injury vs. Seattle Storm, missed four games.
- July 15: Injured her right groin in a win over Connecticut Sun, ending her season.
- Aug. 7: Suffered a bone bruise in her left ankle during rehab.
In total, Clark played 13 games in 2025, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Her shooting percentages dipped to 36.7% from the field and 27.9% from 3-point range, compared to 41.7% from the field and 34.4% from deep a season ago.
Despite the setbacks, she was named an All-Star and helped the Fever to an 8-5 record when active. The team finished 24–20 and earned a spot in the playoffs, which begin Sunday.
Are Injuries a Major Concern for the WNBA?
On the podcast, Engelbert noted that while injury rates are statistically consistent with last season, the visibility of this year’s injuries, including Clark, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Angel Reese, has amplified them.
She also highlighted the Fever’s playoff berth, the Golden State Valkyries’ surprising inaugural season and the New York Liberty’s resilience as examples of teams overcoming adversity
While Clark’s absence has led to a measurable dip in ticket prices (down 30% from a season high) and a decline in TV ratings for Fever games, the league continues to enjoy one of its best seasons to date.
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