The WNBA’s first All‑Star Game in Indianapolis isn’t going to feature its biggest draw after all. Caitlin Clark, the league’s breakout star, announced she’ll skip both the 3‑Point Contest and the main All‑Star Game due to a lingering groin injury that flared up during Tuesday’s matchup.
Clark released a statement expressing her disappointment. She gave fans hope, saying she’ll be courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and even assisting Coach Sandy Brondello—but her playtime is off the table. This injury sidelined her earlier in the season, with several missed games in June. She briefly returned last week but clearly felt pain in the final stretch of Tuesday’s game, forcing her out of the Fever’s first half finale on Wednesday.
This marks a rocky year for Clark on the court. She’s battling a league-high 5.1 turnovers per game and her scoring numbers have dipped significantly from her historic rookie year. Yet she still led the All‑Star voting and is indisputably the WNBA’s premier attraction. Her absence at this marquee event undercuts a huge moment for the league and the city hosting it.
Team Clark will still take on Team Collier this Saturday. The team’s lineup has already been hit by forward Satou Sabally’s ankle injury. Current starters include A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Aliyah Boston, leaving them shorthanded without their namesake leader.
