Caitlin Clark will not return for the remainder of the Indiana Fever's season due to a right groin injury. In a statement released Thursday, Clark expressed her disappointment, saying, "I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season. I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there; disappointed isn't a big enough word to describe how I am feeling. I want to thank everyone who had my back through all the uncertainty."

Clark, who was injured during a game against the Connecticut Sun on July 15, also sustained a bone bruise. In her second season in the WNBA, she averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over 13 games.

Fever COO and General Manager Amber Cox commented on Clark's situation, stating, "Caitlin has worked so hard throughout this time, doing everything possible to recover and return to the court, but ultimately, time is not on our side. While we will continue working with Caitlin and provide her with every resource we have available, there is not enough time left in our season for her to safely return, and her long-term health and well-being remains our top priority. We are looking forward to having her back at full strength to start the 2026 season."

The 2024 Rookie of the Year had been aiming to help the Fever reach the postseason for a second consecutive year. She participated in full-court drills without defense during a recent shootaround, but Coach Stephanie White noted that Clark has not engaged in much contact work yet.

Currently, the Fever sit in eighth place in the standings, 1.5 games ahead of Los Angeles, with three games remaining in the season. This year has been challenging for Clark, who has also faced injuries to her left quad and left groin. This marks the first time she has encountered injury issues, having never missed a game during her collegiate career at Iowa or her first WNBA season.

The Fever have now lost five players to season-ending injuries, including Clark. Other sidelined players include guards Sydney Colson (knee), Aari McDonald (foot), Sophie Cunningham (knee), and forward Chloe Bibby (knee).

Despite Clark's absence, she has played a significant role in promoting women's basketball at both the collegiate and professional levels. The WNBA has seen record attendance this season, even with Clark missing a majority of the games. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert previously highlighted Clark's impact, calling her "an unbelievable player" with a strong following that has attracted new fans to the league. Engelbert emphasized that while individual players are important, the league thrives on compelling content and rivalries.