With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Indiana Fever fans were hoping for Caitlin Clark’s return. The 23-year-old has been sidelined since July 15 due to a right groin injury. The only hope was that Clark might return to the floor right before the playoffs.
On Thursday, Clark announced that her season is over and she won’t be returning to play. Clark took to Instagram to share several pictures of herself during the season and wrote a heartfelt note for fans.
“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,” Clark wrote.
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Fans of Clark, former Iowa teammates, current Fever teammates, and some basketball legends commented on her post.
“Love you honey!! Come back season soon 🤍🤍🤍” Jada Gyamfi wrote.
“Love you cc, I’m proud of you,” Kate Martin wrote.
“Love you cc!! You’re amazing boo ❤️❤️” Gabbie Marshall wrote.
“love you c❤️” Sophie Cunningham wrote.
“Miss you big dawgggggggg❤️❤️you’ll be back,” Aliyan Boston wrote.
“Minor setback for a MAJOR COMEBACK!! Rest up, get healthy and be YOU! 🙏🏾🫡👑” LeBron James wrote.
“So sorry but I know this decision will be the best for your future! 💕💕💕” Lisa Leslie wrote.
Clark received a lot of support from the basketball community. She thanked the fans for constantly showing up for her and the franchise. Clark praised her team for growing stronger this season despite the adversities they faced.
The 23-year-old stated that it’s time for the Indiana franchise to close out the regular season on a high note and secure its place in the playoffs. They will play the Chicago Sky tonight and will have two more games left after that.
Lisa Leslie Shared Her Thoughts On Caitlin Clark’s Comeback Last Week
When Clark was off the Fever’s rotation, it allowed people to come up with their own theories about her comeback. Many believed she’d return before the playoffs, and others claimed the Fever are holding her out for the playoffs. Contrary to popular opinion, Lisa Leslie was always against her comeback.
As per Leslie, rushing Clark back on the floor would’ve been an unnecessary move. The Fever roster has taken several hits, such as Cunningham being ruled out for the season. So, the best they can do is make it to the playoffs.
Even in Clark’s absence, the Fever were on track to secure a playoff berth. Keeping that and the nature of Clark’s injury in mind, Leslie, on an episode of We Need To Talk, suggested that they should let her rest for the entire season.
“I would not put Caitlin Clark back on the floor this season.” @LisaLeslie put her GM hat on when discussing the @IndianaFever star’s injury. pic.twitter.com/psoQN5OuHS
— We Need To Talk (@WeNeedToTalk) August 26, 2025
The WNBA legend claimed that groin injuries carry a higher risk of being reinjured. In Clark’s case, if she suffers another injury, that could be damaging to her career.
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