Caitlin Clark has once again been sidelined, and her absence is already sending shockwaves across the WNBA. The Indiana Fever star is out with a left groin injury, just weeks after returning from a previous quad strain.
On Thursday, the Fever announced that Clark would not play in their game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Head coach Steph White confirmed that Clark reported the injury late Wednesday night and is currently being evaluated day-to-day.
“I think it’s very much a day-to-day thing how she responds to treatment,” White said, according to Indy Star’s Chloe Peterson.
WNBA Viewership Takes a Hit Without Clark
This is the second injury setback for Clark this season. In May, she missed five games with a left quadriceps strain—and the league felt the impact. According to Nielsen data, viewership for nationally televised WNBA games dropped by 55% during her absence, highlighting her massive influence on the league’s popularity and visibility.
Since her days at Iowa, where she shattered scoring records and drew millions of viewers. Her transition to the pros has brought fresh attention to the WNBA. Introducing new fans and generating headline buzz on a near-daily basis.
But with Clark off the court, fan engagement takes a clear dip. Whether it’s her deep three-pointers, flashy passes, or competitive fire, Clark has become must-watch TV. Her presence has helped fill arenas and drive up broadcast numbers, something the WNBA hasn’t seen on this scale in years.
League Momentum at Risk
The timing of this injury couldn’t be worse for the WNBA. With the league in the middle of a breakout media season and games getting more prime-time slots, Caitlin Clark’s health is central to the league’s continued growth.
Her return to the court remains uncertain, and while the Fever are hoping for a quick recovery, there’s concern about the wear and tear she’s facing from a jam-packed college-to-pro schedule with no real offseason.
Fans are now left in limbo, hoping for good news, but bracing for another stretch without the league’s most electric star.
For the WNBA, this isn’t just a Fever injury; it’s a league-wide setback.
Read More: Chicago Sky Gets Worrying News Amid Fever’s Caitlin Clark Injury
