Caitlin Clark began 2025 with one clear objective: to lead the Indiana Fever to a WNBA championship. Coming off a historic rookie campaign and a return to the playoffs, expectations around her were enormous. Instead, the year unfolded in an unexpected way. Injuries became the defining storyline, limiting Clark to just 13 appearances before a bone bruise and recurring soft-tissue issues sidelined her for most of the season.
Even so, missing the bulk of the WNBA schedule did not make 2025 a wasted year for Clark. Away from the court, her influence continued to grow. Financially and commercially, she thrived, expanding her brand and positioning herself for an even stronger return in 2026.
On the court, Clark’s limited action still showed her impact. She averaged 16.5 points, five rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, earning her second consecutive WNBA All-Star selection and once again leading all players in fan voting. While her shooting efficiency dipped compared to expectations, her popularity and relevance never faded.
Off the court, Clark’s profile soared. Forbes named her fourth on its list of the “Most Powerful Women in Sports,” ranking her as the highest-placed active athlete. She was also listed as the 11th highest-paid female athlete in the world, with an estimated $12.1 million in earnings for the year—almost entirely from endorsements and sponsorships rather than her WNBA salary. With a new collective bargaining agreement expected to raise salary caps, her earning potential in 2026 could reach unprecedented levels for a WNBA player.
For the first time in her basketball life, Clark was forced to learn from the sidelines. Having never missed games in high school, college, or her rookie season, the prolonged absence brought perspective. She has spoken about gaining a deeper understanding of recovery, physical management, and long-term health, as well as the value of observing her team from a distance.
Despite her limited season, Clark remained firmly on the radar of USA Basketball. A call-up to the national team training camp at Duke University highlighted her renewed focus and conditioning, rekindling hopes of future Olympic consideration ahead of Los Angeles 2028.
Looking ahead, Clark enters 2026 as the face of the Fever and one of the most marketable athletes in women’s sports. If healthy, she is expected to return with renewed purpose. In hindsight, 2025 was less a lost season than a formative one—setting the stage for a highly anticipated comeback.
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