The 2025 WNBA season is about to begin, and preseason games are underway. The Indiana Fever recently played the Brazilian national team at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the University of Iowa's home court, offering fans a chance to see Caitlin Clark play. Clark gained fame as a Hawkeye, and during the game, she made a long 3-pointer from near the spot where she broke the women's college basketball all-time scoring record. She shared a photo of the moment on Instagram, prompting a reaction from former teammate Kate Martin, who called it "Amazing."

During the 2023-24 season, Kate Martin averaged 13.1 points and 6.8 rebounds with a 50.7% field goal percentage, and she helped Iowa reach the national championship game the previous year. Martin was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces and later selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft. Caitlin Clark surpassed Pete Maravich to become the NCAA's all-time leading scorer for both men and women. As a WNBA rookie last year, she averaged 19.2 points and a league-high 8.4 assists, earning an All-Star nod and Rookie of the Year.

The Fever's promising core includes Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. They may also include Makayla Timpson, a second-round draft pick who averaged 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and 1.8 steals for Florida State last season.

Caitlin Clark's return to the University of Iowa and Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday was a significant event. Clark and the Indiana Fever defeated the Brazilian national team 108-44 in an exhibition game. This was Clark's first game action in 2025, as she had previously missed Indiana's preseason opener due to a lower leg injury. Clark scored 16 points, had five assists, and grabbed six rebounds, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Her final basket, a shot from approximately 36 feet out, was farther than her record-breaking NCAA shot.

"I haven't played [a game] in, like 200 days, so I was a little nervous going in," Clark said. "The competitive spirit in me -- you just want to play really good for these fans." Clark shared photos from the "special" day on Instagram Monday evening. This was one of several "homecoming" games for WNBA stars this preseason. The Las Vegas Aces and Dallas Wings played at Notre Dame, marking a return for Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, and Jackie Young. The Chicago Sky faced the Brazilian national team at LSU, allowing Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith to play in Baton Rouge again.

Fever head coach Stephanie White described the atmosphere at Iowa as "electric." She noted the importance of these games for fans who may not easily get to a WNBA city, giving them a chance to see these women play at the highest level. The Fever have one more preseason game against the Atlanta Dream this Saturday and will open the 2025 season against the Sky on Saturday, May 17.