The WNBA has lost its brightest star as Caitlin Clark announced she will miss the 3-point competition and All-Star Game on Saturday due to a right groin injury. The Indiana Fever’s second-year sensation, who was set to be the event’s main attraction, will instead serve as an ambassador for her team and the league.
Clark sustained the injury late in Tuesday’s victory over the Connecticut Sun and has now suffered four injuries this season. Her absence casts a shadow over the weekend’s events, which were expected to be a celebration of Clark’s dominance on the court.
The 30-story banner featuring Clark outside the JW Marriott hotel is a constant reminder of her absence. Clark had planned to participate in the 3-point contest and was set to make her debut. However, she declined an offer to compete in the NBA’s All-Star Game 3-point shootout in February, choosing instead to wait until the WNBA event.
“It’s a big deal to have All-Star in Indianapolis, and of course, with Caitlin being a focal point of that,” Indiana coach Stephanie White said Wednesday. “As the coach of the Indiana Fever it’s not a bigger deal than our long-term season, but it’s also part of the fun.”
Clark’s injury-prone season has taken a toll on her mental health, and she reflected on the importance of downtime before Tuesday’s injury. Despite this, Clark’s teammates are hopeful that she can still contribute to the team’s success on Saturday.
“Hopefully I can represent whatever Caitlin can’t be a part of,” said guard Kelsey Mitchell. “We’ll need all hands on deck to make it happen.”
Clark will be present at the arena for the weekend’s events, but her absence will undoubtedly cast a shadow over the celebrations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6500426/2025/07/17/caitlin-clark-injury-all-star-game-absence