If you’re refreshing your feed looking for a tip-off time or wondering why the Indiana Fever aren't on your TV right now, I’ve got some news. Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer.
Caitlin Clark status for today's game is officially "not playing," but not for the reasons you might think. We aren't looking at a fresh injury or a sudden benching. It’s actually much simpler: the WNBA season is over.
We are currently in the thick of the 2026 offseason. While the NFL is heating up with playoff drama, the WNBA is in a quiet period. Well, "quiet" might be the wrong word given the current labor negotiations, but as far as actual basketball goes? The courts are empty.
The Long Road Back to 100 Percent
Last year was rough. There is no other way to put it. After a legendary rookie run, Clark’s 2025 season was basically a series of "what ifs" due to a nagging right groin injury.
She only suited up for 13 games. That’s it.
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Even in that short window, she was putting up numbers that most vets would dream of—16.5 points and nearly 9 assists per game. But after a win against the Connecticut Sun back in July, her body just said "no more." A bone bruise during rehab was the final straw that forced the Fever to shut her down for the rest of the year.
It was the first time in her entire career, going all the way back to her Iowa days, that she actually missed time. It felt weird not seeing #22 out there.
What is Caitlin Doing Right Now?
Right now, it’s all about the 2026 comeback. She’s been spotted in the weight room, often hitting the iron at the same time as the Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton. They’ve both been dealing with the grind of injury recovery, and apparently, having a "rehab buddy" helps with the mental side of things.
She’s also been keeping an eye on her fellow Iowa alums. Just yesterday, she was on social media sending love to George Kittle after his season-ending Achilles tear.
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The WNBA Moratorium and Why It Matters
You might have seen "WNBA Moratorium" trending today, January 13, 2026. This is the real reason the news cycle is buzzing even though there are no games.
The league and the players' union (WNBPA) just agreed to a temporary freeze on all league business. They couldn't hit a deal on the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by the Friday deadline. This is basically a "pencils down" moment while they figure out the money.
- The League's Offer: They're talking about a $1 million max base salary.
- The Players' Stance: They want a bigger slice of the gross revenue, not just the "net" profits after expenses.
- The Impact on Clark: Under the new proposals, stars like Clark and Angel Reese could see their pay nearly double, even while they're still on rookie contracts.
When Will We See Her Play Again?
The 2026 WNBA season usually kicks off in mid-May. If the schedule follows the traditional pattern, we are looking at May 17 as a likely start date.
That feels like a lifetime away.
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By the time she steps back on the floor for a regular-season game, it will have been over ten months since she last played. That’s a massive gap for a player who is used to being a "gym rat." The good news? The Fever front office, led by Amber Cox, has been adamant that they aren't rushing her. They want her at "full strength" for the season opener, not 80% strength in January.
The roster around her is going to look a little different too. While Aliyah Boston is locked in, a huge chunk of the 2025 team consists of free agents. Fans are crossing their fingers that Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham (who is also recovering from an MCL tear) sign back on to "run it back" with Caitlin.
Actionable Steps for Fever Fans
While you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026 season:
- Check the CBA Updates: The moratorium won't last forever. Once a deal is signed, free agency is going to be a wild 24-hour sprint.
- Monitor the Injury Reports: Keep an eye on the official Indiana Fever socials for clips of Clark’s jump shot. If she's moving laterally without a grimace, she's on track.
- Secure Your Gear: With her Nike signature shoe expected to drop soon, keep your eyes peeled for release dates—those are going to sell out in seconds.
The wait is frustrating, especially when you're used to the high-octane "Clark effect," but the focus today is strictly on health and contracts. When May rolls around, a healthy Caitlin Clark is going to be a problem for the rest of the league.