Debate rages over Caitlin Clark’s return to action for Indiana

After an excellent debut season in the WNBA for Catlin Clark where she was named Rookie of the Year, set an WNBA single-game record with 19 assists and was a unanimous selection to the All-WNBA First Team, 2025 is failing to follow that pattern.

Clark’s 2025 WNBA season has been significantly impacted by a series of injuries and the 23-year-old has been limited to just 13 games.

Since the Fever’s opening games, Clark has suffered: a left quad strain that caused her to miss three weeks. A left groin injury that sidelined her for two weeks and last month, a right groin injury suffered on July 15 that has caused her to miss 16 consecutive games as of late August.

The Fever sit in sixth place in the standings and are 20-18 for the season as they look to secure a playoff place in the hope that Clark will be back on court for that critical part of the season.

Debate over Clark return

As of late August 2025, there is no official timetable for her return. However, she has been progressing in her recovery, participating in non-contact drills and walkthroughs with the team. Her coach, Stephanie White, has stated that she wants to see Clark participate in live practices and be able to handle contact before she returns to a game.

Some, including WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, have suggested that the Fever should prioritize Clark’s long-term health and consider shutting her down for the rest of the season. A proposal that seems unlikely to materilise.

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