Caitlin Clark Ruled Out of Third Straight Game With Groin Injury, Will Miss Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup Final Against Lynx

The Indiana Fever’s hopes of capturing the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup championship will have to come without their most recognizable star. The team announced Monday that rookie sensation Caitlin Clark will miss her third consecutive game due to a left groin injury and will not suit up for Tuesday night’s highly anticipated Commissioner’s Cup final against the Minnesota Lynx.

The Fever organization released the update late Monday afternoon following speculation about Clark’s status after she missed the past two contests. Though the team had initially been hopeful that the former Iowa standout might return for the Cup championship game, ongoing discomfort and medical evaluations have led to the decision to hold her out.

It’s an unfortunate setback for Clark and the Fever, especially considering the magnitude of Tuesday’s showdown. The Commissioner’s Cup, now in its fourth year, pits the top teams from each conference in a midseason contest that not only awards bragging rights but also provides significant prize money for participating players. For a Fever squad that has struggled to find postseason success in recent years, this Cup Final represented both an opportunity to claim hardware and to showcase their young, promising roster on a national stage.

Clark, who has been the focal point of attention in her rookie season, was expected to play a pivotal role in that effort. Since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the sharpshooting guard has delivered electrifying performances, dazzling crowds with her deep shooting range, elite court vision, and fiery competitive spirit. Her presence has not only reinvigorated the Indiana fan base but has drawn record television ratings and sold-out arenas across the league.

But for now, the Fever will have to proceed without her.

“Caitlin continues to rehab her left groin injury under the supervision of our medical staff,” the Fever’s statement read. “While she’s made progress, she is not yet cleared for game action and will not be available for the Commissioner’s Cup Final against the Minnesota Lynx. We remain focused on her long-term health and will provide further updates as appropriate.”

The Fever have understandably exercised caution with their franchise cornerstone. Groin injuries, particularly for guards who rely on explosive lateral movement and sudden bursts of speed, can be tricky to manage. Returning too quickly risks aggravating the injury, which could lead to more extended absences down the line.

Clark initially suffered the injury late last month during the Fever’s win over the Los Angeles Sparks. After a brief on-court scare, she attempted to play through discomfort but was eventually sidelined as symptoms persisted. Since then, she has missed two regular-season games—both losses for Indiana—as the team has opted for rest and rehabilitation.

Without Clark, the Fever have struggled to replicate the offensive dynamism she brings to the floor. Her playmaking ability stretches defenses, and her perimeter shooting demands constant attention from opposing defenders. In her absence, the team has leaned more heavily on All-Star forward Aliyah Boston, veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, and emerging contributors like NaLyssa Smith to shoulder the scoring load.

Tuesday’s challenge against Minnesota will be significant. The Lynx, led by superstar Napheesa Collier and veteran floor general Kayla McBride, have been one of the league’s most consistent teams this season. Their blend of size, experience, and defensive tenacity poses problems for any opponent, especially one missing a player of Clark’s caliber.

Fever head coach Christie Sides acknowledged the difficulty of competing without Clark but expressed confidence in her team’s resilience.

“Obviously, we’d love to have Caitlin out there—her talent speaks for itself, and her competitiveness lifts everyone,” Sides said after practice Monday. “But we’ve got a locker room full of players who believe in each other, and we’re going to battle for this championship no matter what.”

While Clark’s absence is a disappointment, especially for fans eager to see her perform on one of the WNBA’s brightest stages, the Fever’s run to the Cup Final is a testament to the team’s progress. After years of rebuilding and missing the postseason, Indiana has turned heads this summer with a revamped roster, improved chemistry, and a commitment to competing at the highest level.

Clark’s impact on the league has been undeniable. Since her historic college career at Iowa, where she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and captivated audiences with her deep three-pointers and fiery demeanor, her transition to the professional ranks has only heightened her profile. Already one of the WNBA’s most marketable stars, Clark’s jersey sales have topped league charts, her games regularly trend across social media platforms, and television viewership has surged whenever she takes the court.

The WNBA has undoubtedly benefited from her arrival, but with that spotlight comes heightened scrutiny. Some critics have questioned whether Clark has been overexposed, while others point to the physical toll her style of play invites, noting that defenders often target her aggressively. The groin injury, while unrelated to contact, underscores the challenges of adjusting to the professional game’s demands, where the schedule is grueling and the competition is fierce.

Clark herself has maintained a determined, team-first attitude despite the injury setback. Though she has not spoken publicly since the announcement, those close to her describe her as eager to return but mindful of the need to heal properly. Her competitive nature is well-documented, but so is her understanding of the bigger picture.

The Fever, too, are approaching the situation with a long-term lens. While the Commissioner’s Cup is a prestigious midseason event, the primary focus remains on ensuring Clark is healthy for the stretch run and beyond. With Indiana positioned as a playoff contender for the first time in years, they will need her at full strength to maximize their postseason aspirations.

For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to see Clark back on the hardwood. And while her absence in Tuesday’s Cup Final diminishes some of the game’s star power, the matchup still carries intrigue.

The Lynx enter the contest brimming with confidence, boasting a balanced attack that has propelled them to the top of the Western Conference standings. Collier, a perennial MVP candidate, anchors Minnesota on both ends of the floor, while McBride’s veteran savvy and outside shooting make the Lynx a dangerous opponent. Factor in their defensive prowess and playoff-tested roster, and the Fever face a formidable challenge.

Yet, Indiana has thrived in the underdog role before. Without Clark, others have stepped up, including Boston, whose interior dominance and leadership have been instrumental. Mitchell, one of the league’s most consistent scorers, has embraced a larger role, while Smith’s versatility provides an additional spark.

“Of course, we miss Caitlin, but this team has been building chemistry all year,” Boston said during Monday’s media availability. “We believe in ourselves, and we’re going to leave it all out there.”

The Commissioner’s Cup offers a unique format designed to increase competition and provide financial incentives for players. The Fever earned their spot by posting the best record in designated Cup games within the Eastern Conference, while the Lynx did the same in the West. The event has grown in stature since its inception, and Tuesday’s game is expected to draw a sizable audience both in-person and via national broadcast.

While Clark’s absence removes one of the most compelling storylines, the Fever’s opportunity to claim the Cup without her presents a different kind of narrative—one centered on resilience, depth, and the next-player-up mentality.

Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, the bigger concern for Indiana remains Clark’s health. The team has not provided a definitive timetable for her return, stating only that her status will be updated as evaluations continue. Given her importance to both the franchise and the broader league landscape, it’s a situation that will be monitored closely.

For now, though, Clark will watch from the sidelines as her teammates pursue a championship on Tuesday night. Whether she’s in uniform or not, her presence continues to loom large over the Fever’s season—and the WNBA as a whole.