So, you're looking for the tip-off time. You’ve got the jersey ready, maybe some snacks, and you’re checking the clock. But here’s the thing—if you’re asking what time does the Indiana Fever play today on January 17, 2026, you might notice the Gainbridge Fieldhouse schedule looks a little... different.
Instead of Caitlin Clark pull-up threes, the arena is actually hosting the Harlem Globetrotters for their 100 Year Tour. They’ve got a 2:00 PM show and a 7:00 PM show. Basically, the Fever aren't on the court today.
If you feel a bit lost, don't worry. The WNBA calendar is notoriously tricky for casual fans to track once the leaves start falling. We’re deep in the "offseason," which in the WNBA world actually means a whirlwind of contract negotiations, international tours, and now, the rise of alternative leagues like Unrivaled.
When to Expect the Next Indiana Fever Game
The short answer? You won't see a formal Fever game in the WNBA standings until May 2026.
Historically, the WNBA schedule tips off in mid-May. While the exact 2026 dates haven't been pinned to the wall by the league office yet, the patterns are pretty steady. Last year, the season started on Saturday, May 17. Following that logic, we’re looking at a four-month wait.
💡 You might also like: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
I know, it's a long time.
But "no games" doesn't mean "no news." Honestly, January is actually one of the most high-stakes months for the front office. Right now, the league is navigating a tense Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiation. The previous deadline was pushed back to January 9, 2026, and the WNBAPA has been vocal about wanting better travel, higher salaries, and more player protections.
Key Dates for Fever Fans to Circle
- Late January: This is usually when "free agency" talk turns into actual movement. Teams can start officially talking to players to negotiate new contracts.
- February 1: The date players can actually sign those dotted lines.
- April 2026: The WNBA Draft. This is where the Fever, who have been building around Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, will look to add that final piece of the puzzle.
- May 2026: Pre-season and the regular-season opener.
Why Everyone is Asking About Today (January 17)
There’s a specific reason your social media feed might be screaming "basketball" today even though the Fever aren't playing.
Today is a massive day for women’s pro hoops, just not in Indianapolis. The new 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled, is in full swing. If you saw a highlight of Kelsey Mitchell or Aliyah Boston recently, it might have been from this circuit.
📖 Related: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
Unrivaled has games scheduled today, January 17, airing on truTV and HBO Max. Specifically, Mist BC and Laces BC are usually in the rotation for these weekend slots. It’s high-octane, fast-paced, and honestly, a great way to scratch that itch while we wait for the 5-on-5 season to return to Gainbridge.
Where is Caitlin Clark?
Most people asking what time does the Indiana Fever play today are really asking, "When can I watch Caitlin Clark?"
Clark has been a bit of a ghost this winter. After a 2024-2025 stretch that saw her go straight from the NCAA Championship to the WNBA Draft to a full pro season and playoffs, she opted for some much-needed rest. She isn't playing in Unrivaled this year. She’s focused on recovery from a late-season groin injury and, presumably, just being a normal human for a few months before the 2026 grind starts.
The State of the Fever Roster Heading into 2026
If you’re a die-hard fan, you’re probably more worried about who is staying than what time the game starts. The Fever are in a fascinating spot.
👉 See also: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
They’ve got the "Big Three" in Clark, Boston, and Mitchell. But Kelsey Mitchell is the name to watch. She’s a free agent, and keeping her is priority number one for the Indiana front office. Rumors are swirling that the Fever might use the "core" designation on her—sort of like a franchise tag in the NFL—to ensure she doesn't walk away for nothing.
Then there’s the expansion factor. With the Golden State Valkyries already in the mix and the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo joining the league soon, the talent pool is getting stretched. The Fever have to protect their core players from being snatched up in expansion drafts.
What to Do While You Wait
Since you can't watch a Fever game today, here is how you can stay in the loop:
- Check the Unrivaled Standings: Even without Clark, the league features the best of the WNBA. It’s the best way to see how Fever teammates like Aliyah Boston are evolving their game in the 3-on-3 format.
- Monitor the CBA News: If a deal isn't reached soon, the 2026 season could face a lockout. That's the "boring" stuff that actually determines if we get a season at all.
- Grab the Specialty Plate: The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles recently released a specialty Indiana Fever license plate. If you're in-state, it’s a solid way to show support during the dark months of the offseason.
The hype around this team isn't dying down. Even on a random Saturday in January when the Globetrotters are the only ones taking shots at Gainbridge, the interest in the Fever remains at an all-time high.
Stay tuned for the official schedule release, which usually drops in late November or early December of the preceding year—though with the CBA negotiations ongoing, the league has been a bit slower to finalize the 2026 dates.
Next Steps for Fans:
Follow the official Indiana Fever social media accounts or the WNBA app to get an alert the second the 2026 schedule is finalized. Once that happens, you'll be able to sync the tip-off times directly to your phone calendar so you never have to wonder about game times again.