Caitlin Clark is officially out for the remainder of the 2025 season, a reality that was always written on the wall. The 23-year-old Fever star confirmed the news Thursday, explaining via a lengthy message posted on social media that her body has not yet healed as much as it should before she returns to the court.
While the news wasn't exactly a surprise, it does cap a season for the Fever that has turned out to be a stronger test of the team's resiliency than anyone would have predicted during the preseason. Though it's likely this season won't give the team the end they were chasing months ago, they've battled hard throughout unprecedented team struggle in a way that offers an inspiring glimpse at what's to come next year.
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. I want to thank everyone who had my back… pic.twitter.com/paD5sEYG1q
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) September 5, 2025
Clark noted she has spent "hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there" and that "disappointed isn’t a big enough word to describe how I am feeling."
Despite the disappointing news, Clark pointed to a source of strength throughout her injury highs and lows: the team's fans. As she put it, "This has been incredibly frustrating, but even in the bad, there is good. The way the fans continued to show up for me, and for the Fever, brought me so much joy and important perspective. I am so proud of how this team has only gotten stronger through adversity this year."
The Indiana Fever hope to make the 2025 playoffs
The Fever has made it clear since the beginning of the season they wanted to go all the way in 2025. With so many athletes out for the rest of the year — in addition to Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and Chloe Bibby will not return in 2025 — winning the WNBA Championship this season is a steep hill that might just be too high for the Fever to climb.
However, the team is still in playoffs contention, and is vying for a spot at the bottom of the standings. The team will face the Chicago Sky at home at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Friday night, and the match could solidify their position as No. 8 overall in the league.
That would likely pit the Fever against the Minnesota Lynx during the first round of playoffs, but any of the teams the Fever could face (the Aces, Dream, or Mercury round out the top four) will pose a significant challenge.
The adversity the Fever has faced this season has pulled a resiliency out of the team that is admirable, and could be enough to boost the team to a respectable playoffs push this year. If not, the Fever and their fans have 2026 to look forward to, because there is little doubt Clark will come back stronger than ever before.