When you’re arguably the most famous athlete on the planet right now, your life becomes a fishbowl. Everything you do—from the way you tie your Nikes to what you eat for dinner—is dissected by millions. But for Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s generational star, there’s one constant that has stayed remarkably steady amid the whirlwind of WNBA records and Nike signature shoe deals: her relationship with Connor McCaffery.
It’s easy to just label him as "Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend" and move on. Honestly, though, that sells him short.
✨ Don't miss: Aston Villa Lineup Today: What Most People Get Wrong
Connor isn’t just some guy standing in the tunnel waiting for her after games. He’s a former D1 athlete, the son of a legendary coach, and a guy who is currently carving out his own path in the coaching world at Butler University. They’ve been together since April 2023, and if you’ve followed the Iowa Hawkeyes at all, you know that this isn't just a "celebrity couple" thing. It’s a basketball partnership.
The Relationship Between Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery
The timeline is pretty straightforward, but it’s the context that matters. They met at the University of Iowa. While Caitlin was busy breaking every NCAA scoring record in existence, Connor was a veteran guard for the men’s team. He played for his dad, Fran McCaffery.
They went "Instagram official" in August 2023. Caitlin posted a photo of them on a boat with the caption "Best end to summer." Simple. Since then, they’ve navigated the transition from college sweethearts to professional power couple.
One of the coolest things about them? They actually talk shop. Caitlin has mentioned in interviews that because they both grew up in high-level basketball environments, they "bounce ideas off each other." Think about that. You’re the best shooter in the world, and you’re going home to a guy who finished his college career with the second-best assist-to-turnover ratio in NCAA history.
Why the Indiana Move Changed Everything
When Caitlin was drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024, people wondered how the long-distance thing would work. It didn't have to.
At the time, Connor was already in Indianapolis working for the Pacers as a basketball development coordinator. It was a "dummy defense" and scouting report kind of job—the entry-level grind. Basically, he was getting his master's degree in NBA coaching while she was taking over the WNBA.
🔗 Read more: BMW Championship 2025 Field: Why 20 Players Are Getting Left Behind
They even made their red carpet debut at the Golden Gala in October 2024, looking like a total power couple. Caitlin in a black dress, Connor in a sharp grey suit. It was a moment that showed they weren't just college kids anymore; they were the new face of Indy sports.
Who is Connor McCaffery? (More Than Just a Boyfriend)
If you look at his stats, you won't see 30-point games. That wasn't his role. Connor was a "coach on the floor." He played 166 games for the Hawkeyes, which is the second-most in program history. He was the guy who knew where everyone was supposed to be.
Today, he’s an assistant coach for the Butler Bulldogs.
He took that job in September 2024, replacing Greg Oden. It was a massive step up from his role with the Pacers. At Butler, he’s working under Thad Matta, a coach who has seen it all. And it’s a family affair—his younger brother Patrick played for Butler, and his youngest brother Jack committed there for the 2025-26 season.
It’s a busy life.
While Caitlin is dealing with the pressure of the WNBA and the drama of the 2026 CBA negotiations, Connor is on the recruiting trail or breaking down film for the Big East. Just recently, in late 2025, Caitlin was spotted courtside at a Butler game in West Virginia, cheering like a regular fan while Connor worked the sidelines.
Common Misconceptions
People often ask if they’re engaged. As of January 2026, there’s no ring. They seem perfectly content just supporting each other’s astronomical careers. Another thing? People think he’s just a "basketball guy." While he’s definitely that, he also played baseball at Iowa and graduated with degrees in finance and political science. He’s got options.
A Partnership Built on High IQ
What makes this work is the mutual respect. Connor doesn't seem bothered by the fact that his girlfriend is a global icon. In fact, he’s her biggest hype man. When she broke the NCAA scoring record, he was the first one posting on his Story about how proud he was.
He gets the grind. He knows what it’s like to have a bad shooting night or a tough loss. On October 10, 2025, when the Phillies (his favorite team) lost in the postseason, he posted a single sad-face emoji on X. Caitlin has joked that she had to become a Phillies fan because of him. That’s just real life.
What to Watch for in 2026
- The Signature Shoe: Caitlin has been teasing her Nike signature shoe, and you can bet Connor will be one of the first people wearing them on the Butler sidelines.
- Offseason Support: Since the WNBA season is still a bit up in the air due to labor talks, expect to see Caitlin at more Butler games. She’s already been seen at the Greenbrier Tip-Off.
- The Coaching Climb: Keep an eye on Connor’s career. Being an assistant at a high-major program like Butler at 27 is a big deal.
If you want to understand the "Caitlin Clark effect," you have to look at the people she keeps in her inner circle. Connor McCaffery is clearly the anchor. They aren't trying to be the next reality TV couple. They’re just two people who love the game and each other, trying to navigate a level of fame that most of us can't even imagine.
To stay updated on their journey, follow both on Instagram, but don't expect a constant stream of "couple goals" content. They’re too busy winning.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the Butler Bulldogs' schedule if you're hoping for a Caitlin sighting—she’s been a regular at Hinkle Fieldhouse lately. Also, watch for Connor’s influence on the recruiting trail; his connection to the "Clark era" of basketball is making Butler a very attractive spot for young talent.