Caitlin Clark is taking a break from basketball. It’s a sentence that felt impossible to write just a couple of years ago when she was shattering every collegiate record in existence at Iowa. Back then, it seemed like she was fueled by a battery that never ran dry. She went straight from a grueling NCAA championship run in April 2024 into the WNBA draft, and then immediately into a record-breaking rookie season with the Indiana Fever.
But things changed in 2025.
The machine finally needed a pit stop. If you’ve been following the Fever lately, you know the vibe has been... different. Clark hasn't been on the court since mid-July 2025, and as we move through January 2026, the reality of her "hiatus" is setting in. Honestly, it's the smartest move she could have made, even if it leaves a massive hole in the winter basketball schedule.
The injury that forced the hand
Let’s get the facts straight. This wasn't just a "I'm tired" break. Clark suffered a persistent right groin injury during a win over the Connecticut Sun on July 15, 2025. For a player who never missed a single game in high school or college, this was uncharted territory.
She tried to come back. She really did. There were videos of her doing light drills, and the Fever front office kept the door open for a late-season return. But on September 4, 2025, the team officially ruled her out for the remainder of the year.
💡 You might also like: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
It was a gut punch.
The Fever actually managed to pull off an incredible run without her, pushing the Las Vegas Aces to a Game 5 in the semifinals before finally falling. But throughout that playoff run, Clark was a fixture on the bench—cheering, coaching, and looking remarkably like someone who was itching to be out there but knew her body wasn't ready.
Why she skipped Unrivaled and overseas play
Most WNBA stars spend their winters one of two ways: they either fly to Europe or China to make the "real" money, or they stay home and play in the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 league.
Clark chose Option C: None of the above.
📖 Related: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
There was a ton of noise about her joining the second season of Unrivaled in Miami this month. Reports suggested a seven-figure deal was on the table, along with equity in the league. Basically, a "Lionel Messi" style offer. She turned it down.
Why? Because after a 2025 season where she only played 13 games, she had to prioritize longevity. You've got legends like Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie coming out and saying she made the right call. Groin injuries are notoriously "sticky"—you think you're fine, you make one hard cut to the basket, and boom, you're back at square one. By sitting out the winter of 2026, she’s ensuring that her debut in the 2026 WNBA season isn't hampered by lingering tweaks.
What she's doing instead
So, if she’s not shooting hoops, what is she doing? Mostly golfing and being a "normal" person for the first time in four years.
- The LPGA Connection: She’s become a regular at The ANNIKA pro-am. In November 2025, she played alongside Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam. She joked about being a "professional golfer" now, but her slice off the tee suggests she might want to stick to the hardwood.
- The DJ Hobby: In a vlog with teammate Aerial Powers, Clark joked about becoming the team’s off-season DJ. She’s famously a huge Taylor Swift fan, so we can probably guess what's on the playlist.
- Rehab and Recovery: This is the boring but essential part. She’s been working with the Fever training staff to get that quad and groin back to 100%.
The "Team USA" question
The biggest debate right now isn't about her WNBA return—it's about the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. There’s been some chatter and "leaks" (mostly on sports talk shows) suggesting she might skip the World Cup to focus entirely on the Fever.
👉 See also: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
Honestly, it's 50/50.
Clark has stated that USA Basketball is a "top priority," but if the medical staff thinks the international schedule is too much load, we might see her sit that out too. The WNBA is expanding, the schedule is getting longer, and the physical toll on a point guard who has the ball in her hands 90% of the time is massive.
What this means for fans
If you're looking for Caitlin Clark highlights right now, you're mostly going to find them on the golf course or in the stands at Indianapolis Colts games.
Is the WNBA panicking? Probably a little. Ratings were still solid in 2025, but there's no denying the "Caitlin Clark Effect" is real. The league needs her healthy. If taking six months off now means she plays at an MVP level for the next 15 years, it's a trade-off everyone—from the fans to the commissioner—should be willing to make.
Basically, the hiatus is a calculated investment. She’s not "done" with the league, and she hasn't lost her spark. She’s just finally listening to a body that’s been red-lining since 2020.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Keep an eye on the Fever’s training camp schedule: Expect the first real "basketball" updates to drop in late April 2026.
- Watch for the 2026 WNBA Draft: Even with Clark sidelined, the Indiana Fever are building a roster that looks dangerous for her return.
- Ignore the "retirement" rumors: Any headline claiming she’s leaving basketball for golf or DJing is pure clickbait; her contract with the Fever runs through 2026 and beyond.