Caitlin Clark Will Miss 2025 WNBA All-Star Game And 3-Point Contest

The WNBA universe was holding its collective breath this week, awaiting the final word on Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark and her availability for All-Star weekend.

Clark relayed the unfortunate news Thursday on X, with the team posting her statement acknowledging she will not participate in the WNBA All-Star Game or 3-point contest:

She was the headliner of both events, being one of the All-Star team captains and having a true ‘homecourt advantage’ with all of the festivities taking place in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where she routinely plays.

Injuries can often rob viewers of spectacular performances, and this situation is right up there for the worst timing imaginable. Indianapolis finally had the opportunity to host All-Star weekend for the first time in the league’s 28-year history, and it’s expected to be the largest turnout for any event the WNBA has constructed – mostly because of the attention Clark commands on a national level.

But, given what she’s dealing with, this decision makes the most sense for Clark and her team’s long-term vision of competing in the postseason this September.

Clark suffered a right groin injury during Tuesday’s win over the Connecticut Sun, attempting to drive past a defender in the final minute. In typical Caitlin Clark fashion, she still finished the play with a

As timeout was called, she became visually upset and emotional while heading to the bench. In the moment, it appeared her reaction was more anger-driven and less about the pain she was experiencing:

This is the third separate injury Clark has battled this season – and we’re only at the halfway point. She previously dealt with a left quad strain during May, and then a left groin strain (different side) in late June, which forced her to miss five straight games.

Altogether, Clark has only appeared in 13 of the Fever’s 23 games. Despite her absences, Indiana still has the sixth-best record in the league, in prime position for a playoff spot. That’s in addition to winning the Commissioner’s Cup, the WNBA’s version of an In-Season Tournament.

During Clark’s time on the floor, her minutes and per-game averages are down this season compared to her rookie year. On a per-36 minute basis, however, her production remains impressive. She’s averaging 19.1 points and 10.2 assists per 36 minutes. If both of those hold, Clark would become the first player in league history to average that scoring and playmaking combination in a season.

With Clark on the court, Indiana has outscored opponents by 9.1 points per 100 possessions. It’s leaps and bounds better than last year, when they had a -2.4 net rating during her minutes.

Her efficiency has certainly taken a hit from her rookie year, though. She has dropped 6.5 percentage points in both 2-point (46.7%) and 3-point efficiency (27.9%). Perhaps a lot of that can be attributed to the injury struggles, as lower-body ailments can often hinder a player’s ability to create separation – whether on drives or stepback jumpers.

Indiana’s next game isn’t until Tuesday, July 22, one week after Clark sustained the groin injury. It’s probably safe to assume the Fever will be more cautious with her this time, especially with the team proving they can still compete in games while she’s sidelined.

With the official news of Clark’s latest injury, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert will have the opportunity to name a replacement for both the All-Star game and 3-point contest.

Engelbert will need to find two replacements, as the Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally will also miss this weekend’s action due to injury.