June 27, 2025 – INDIANAPOLIS — In a stunning development that has left WNBA fans reeling, Caitlin Clark has suffered a left groin strain, forcing her to exit tonight’s high-stakes game and throwing the Indiana Fever’s season into sudden uncertainty.

The rookie sensation—whose rise has electrified women’s basketball—was seen grimacing and clutching her left leg after a fast break late in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks. The crowd fell silent as Clark limped to the sideline, assisted by trainers.

Moments later, the Fever confirmed the injury as a “left groin strain,” and that she would not return to the game.

🩺 NOT HER FIRST BRUSH WITH INJURY

Fans were already anxious earlier this month when Clark took a hard fall against the New York Liberty, but she bounced back. This time, however, the injury looked far more serious.

Sources close to the team say Clark will undergo further evaluation in the next 24–48 hours, including imaging to determine the severity of the strain.

“She’s in a lot of pain,” a team insider told reporters post-game. “It’s precautionary, but we’re definitely concerned.”

😢 FANS HEARTBROKEN – “THE LEAGUE NEEDS HER”

As soon as the news broke, “Caitlin Clark” trended #1 on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of fans expressing shock, heartbreak, and concern.

“This is DEVASTATING. The league is not the same without her.”

“Clark’s energy, her vision, her shooting – she’s the heartbeat of this team.”

“They’ve been working her to the bone. No wonder she’s hurt again.”

The injury reignites the ongoing debate about player load management in the WNBA, especially with rookies like Clark being expected to carry massive media and game-time burdens night after night.

🧨 FEVER’S SEASON NOW IN JEOPARDY?

With Clark at the helm, the Fever had clawed their way into playoff contention, going from a 1–7 start to winning 5 of their last 7 games. Her absence now leaves a gaping hole in the lineup—both tactically and emotionally.

Backup guards like Erica Wheeler and Kristy Wallace will be expected to step up, but let’s be honest: there’s only one Caitlin Clark.

📉 BUSINESS IMPACT: WNBA’S RATINGS MVP SIDELINED

Clark’s popularity has driven record-breaking viewership and ticket sales across the league this season.
If she misses extended time, expect ripple effects across broadcasts, merchandise, and attendance.

One executive admitted anonymously:

“We’re all watching this very, very closely. Caitlin Clark is not just a player—she’s a movement.”

⏳ WHAT’S NEXT?

As of now, the Fever have not released a timetable for Clark’s return. But groin strains can vary significantly in recovery time:

Mild strain: 1–2 weeks

Moderate strain: 3–6 weeks

Severe strain: Up to 2 months or longer

Fans and analysts alike will be glued to the next injury report. Until then, all eyes remain on Indiana—and on how the WNBA handles the loss of its brightest star.

⚠️ THE BIG QUESTION:

Was this preventable?

Clark has been playing huge minutes and taking hits every night. Some fans argue she’s being overused, while others claim she’s being targeted by defenders.

The WNBA’s growing pains with protecting star players are now front and center.

💔 Bottom line: Caitlin Clark is injured again. The league holds its breath. And the Fever’s future hangs in the balance.

Fever’s Caitlin Clark ruled out of Thursday night matchup vs Sparks with groin injury

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark claps from the bench during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Fever will be without star Caitlin Clark against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night, the team announced.

The former No. 1 pick is battling a groin injury and will miss at least one game.

Clark had recently returned from a quad injury that kept her sidelined for five games. She returned to action June 14 and helped the Fever to a 102-88 victory against the Liberty with an explosive 32-point performance.

The Fever are currently 7-7. Clark is averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds on the season.

The Fever last played the Sparks in September 2024 and won 93-86. Clark matched Aliyah Boston for a team-high 24 points and had 10 rebounds and assists each.