Caitlin Clark, the highly anticipated Indiana Fever guard and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season, including any potential playoff appearances. The announcement, made on September 4, concludes weeks of speculation regarding her return from a right groin sprain sustained on July 15. This marks a frustrating end to a season that saw Clark, who previously never missed a game in her collegiate career at the University of Iowa or her rookie WNBA season in 2024, sidelined for a significant portion of the schedule due to multiple injuries.

Clark's 2025 season was plagued by a series of physical setbacks. Her initial discomfort began on May 3 with left leg soreness, described as quad tightness, which caused her to miss the Fever's exhibition opener. Although she played the following day, a more serious left quad sprain sidelined her for at least two weeks starting May 26, forcing her to miss five regular-season games. Upon her return on June 14, Clark made a remarkable statement, scoring 32 points, dishing out 9 assists, and grabbing 8 rebounds against the New York Liberty. However, her return was short-lived. By June 26, she was again ruled out with a left groin sprain, missing another five games. She returned on July 9, only to suffer the season-ending right groin injury on July 15 in the final minute of a win against the Connecticut Sun. Further complications arose in August when she also sustained a bone bruise on her left ankle, which she rehabbed concurrently with her groin injury. In total, Clark missed 28 out of 41 regular-season games, as well as the Commissioner's Cup final and the All-Star Game, where she had been slated as a captain in her home arena.

Throughout her limited time on the court, Clark showcased her potential, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 13 games. Despite her personal disappointment, she remained an energetic and vocal presence on the Fever's bench. The decision to shut her down for the season was rooted in prioritizing her long-term health and well-being, a sentiment echoed by Fever coach Stephanie White, who expressed hope that this injury-riddled year would be a mere