INDIANAPOLIS — As some of the biggest names in women’s basketball flock to Indianapolis for WNBA All-Star weekend, there will be one star noticeably absent from the festivities.
Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who missed Wednesday’s game in Brooklyn with a groin injury, announced Thursday that she would be pulling out of the 3-point contest and Saturday’s game.
“I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-point contest or the All-Star Game. I have to rest my body,” Clark said in a statement. “I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action, and I’m looking forward to helping [Liberty coach] Sandy [Brondello] coach our team to a win.”
Caitlin Clark (22) leaves the Fever’s game against the Sun with a groin injury on July 15, 2025. Getty Images
Mystics guard Brittney Sykes was tabbed by commissioner Cathy Engelbert to be Clark’s replacement. But there’s no doubt Clark being sidelined will cast a shadow larger than her massive banner hanging on the side of the J.W. Marriott in town.
Clark, the reigning Rookie of the Year, arguably is the biggest name in women’s basketball and possibly the biggest basketball player in Indianapolis (sorry, Tyrese Haliburton).
Caitlin Clark (c.) in street clothes on the Fever bench during the team’s loss to the Liberty on July 16, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostClark is averaging a modest 16.2 points, 8.8 assists and five rebounds in 13 games this season.
Her shooting splits of 36.7/27.9/82 are noticeably down from a season ago, though she’s been hampered by lower-body injuries.
Clark isn’t the only player who’s missing this weekend’s action.
Mercury forward Satou Sabally (ankle) and Dream guard Rhyne Howard (knee) also are out with injuries. Dream forward Brionna Jones and Lynx guard Kayla McBride will fill their roster spots.
