If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the courtside photos. The Indiana Fever’s golden girl, Caitlin Clark, laughing in the stands or sharing a quiet moment after a grueling game. Usually, the guy right next to her is Connor McCaffery.
People love to label him as just "the boyfriend." Honestly, that's a bit of a disservice.
Sure, being the partner of the most famous basketball player on the planet comes with a certain level of "plus-one" energy. But in the basketball world—specifically in the state of Indiana and the halls of Iowa—the McCaffery name carries its own heavy weight.
The Iowa Connection: How It Actually Started
They didn't meet on a red carpet or through a high-profile agent. They met exactly where you’d expect two gym rats to meet: the University of Iowa.
While Caitlin was busy rewriting the NCAA record books and making logo threes look like layups, Connor was a mainstay for the men’s Hawkeyes team. He played six seasons there. Yeah, six. Thanks to a redshirt year and the COVID eligibility extension, he became a fixture in Iowa City.
The timeline is pretty clear now, though they kept it under wraps for a bit. They started dating around April 24, 2023.
That was right after Caitlin’s first historic run to the National Championship game. It wasn't until August 2023 that she finally hit "post" on that famous Instagram carousel of them on a boat, captioned simply: "Best end to summer."
Suddenly, the secret was out.
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Caitlin Clark's Boyfriend is More Than a Spectator
Connor isn't just someone who watches hoops; he lives and breathes the x's and o's. He’s the son of Fran McCaffery, the longtime head coach at Iowa. Growing up as a coach's son usually means you're either going to hate the game or become a total nerd for it. Connor chose the latter.
He wasn't a high-volume scorer like Caitlin. Not even close. But he was essentially a coach on the floor.
During his final season at Iowa, he led the entire nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.9). He basically never threw the ball away. That kind of discipline is exactly why he didn't stay on the sidelines for long after graduation.
The Career Path: From the Pacers to Butler
In 2024, Connor made a move that felt almost prophetic. He took a job with the Indiana Pacers as a team assistant.
Think about the timing. This was before the Indiana Fever officially drafted Caitlin with the number one pick. By the time she arrived in Indianapolis to start her WNBA career, Connor was already settled in the city, working in the same building (Gainbridge Fieldhouse) where she would eventually play her home games.
Talk about a power move.
Recently, he leveled up. In September 2024, he joined the coaching staff at Butler University as an assistant coach. It’s a huge step for a guy who’s clearly trying to build a legacy outside of his father’s shadow—and his girlfriend’s spotlight.
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Dealing With the "Boyfriend" Label
It hasn't always been easy. There was a moment during a Butler broadcast that went viral for all the wrong reasons.
The camera panned to Connor on the sidelines. Instead of listing his coaching title, the graphic identified him as "WNBA ROTY Caitlin Clark’s Boyfriend." Even his brother, Patrick McCaffery (who plays for Butler), got hit with a graphic calling him the "Boyfriend’s Brother."
The internet, predictably, lost its mind. Some found it hilarious; others thought it was "nasty work."
But if you watch how Connor carries himself, he seems completely unbothered. Whether it's taking her for a tour of the Yankees clubhouse or standing back while she signs a mountain of autographs, he seems to understand the assignment.
Why This Relationship Actually Works
Most celebrity athlete couples burn out fast. The travel, the egos, the constant public scrutiny—it's a lot.
But these two have a "pro" dynamic. When Caitlin was dealing with a nagging groin injury during the 2025 season, or when she had to miss time for a quad strain, Connor was there. Not just as a partner, but as someone who understands the physical toll of the game.
They celebrated their two-year anniversary in April 2025. Caitlin posted a rare sentimental note, calling him her "favorite person."
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It’s the small things that stand out. You’ll see him defending her on social media (quietly) or showing up to her games even when he has his own coaching duties at Butler to worry about.
A Few Facts You Might Have Wrong:
- Is he related to Christian McCaffrey? No. Different spelling, different sport. Connor is pure basketball royalty, not NFL.
- Is he still playing? No. His playing days ended at Iowa. He's fully committed to the coaching life now.
- Are they engaged? Not as of early 2026. Despite the constant rumors every time she wears a ring, there hasn't been an official announcement.
What’s Next for the Power Couple?
As we head deeper into 2026, the focus for Caitlin is the upcoming WNBA season and navigating the league's shifting landscape. For Connor, it’s about moving up the coaching ranks at Butler.
They’ve managed to turn Indianapolis into their home base. It’s rare to see two people so young and so high-profile manage to keep their relationship feeling... normal?
Basically, they’re just two kids from Iowa who happen to be the center of the basketball universe.
If you're following their journey, keep an eye on the Butler sidelines and the Fever's front row. You’ll see them supporting each other, likely without making a big scene about it.
To stay truly updated on the latest shifts in the WNBA and how players like Clark are balancing their professional and personal lives, follow the official league injury reports and team press releases. Understanding the coaching cycles at schools like Butler also gives a great window into the career milestones that matter to Connor as he builds his own path.