Caitlin Clark’s season has officially come to an end, with the Indiana Fever confirming that the WNBA’s brightest star will not return to action in 2025.
“I had hoped to share better news, but I won’t be coming back this season,” Clark posted on X Thursday night. “I’ve spent countless hours in the gym trying to make it back, and ‘disappointed’ doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel.”
Clark appeared in just 13 games this year, her last on July 15 when she sustained a groin injury. She had already missed time with a quad issue and dealt with a bone bruise earlier in the campaign.
In her message, Clark expressed gratitude to supporters: “Thank you to everyone who stuck by me through the uncertainty. This has been incredibly tough, but even in the challenges, I’ve found positives. The fans who kept showing up for me and for the Fever gave me so much joy and perspective. I’m proud of how this team has only grown stronger through adversity. Now it’s time to finish the season and secure a playoff spot.”
Indiana had hoped the 23-year-old guard could rejoin them for the final stretch of the regular season as they fight for a postseason berth. With three games left against the Sky, Mystics, and Lynx, their playoff hopes are still alive, but Clark won’t be part of the push.
She had taken part in limited practice earlier this week, but the Fever ultimately prioritized her long-term health.
“Caitlin has poured everything into her recovery, but unfortunately, time isn’t on our side,” said Fever COO and GM Amber Cox. “Our top concern is her future health and well-being. While she won’t return this year, we’ll keep supporting her fully and look forward to seeing her back at full strength for the 2026 season.”
Clark, drafted No. 1 overall in 2024 after a legendary career at Iowa, quickly became one of the most recognizable figures in American sports. She delivered 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game as a rookie, breaking records and earning Rookie of the Year honors, but injuries kept her from completing her first full professional season.
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