If you’ve been scouring the internet today wondering where the heck No. 22 is, you’re definitely not alone. The short, blunt answer is no. Caitlin Clark is not playing a professional basketball game today, January 18, 2026. It feels weird, right? We got so used to her logo threes being a nightly fixture on our social feeds. But honestly, the "Caitlin Clark Effect" is currently in a bit of a holding pattern. Since she was sidelined back in September 2025 with that nasty string of injuries—groin strains and a bone bruise that eventually ended her sophomore season—fans have been itching to know when she'll actually suit up again.
Why the WNBA schedule is a total mess right now
You might be looking for a schedule. Don't bother. As of this morning, there isn't an official one. Usually, we’d have a full calendar by now, but the WNBA and the Players’ Association (WNBPA) are currently locked in a pretty intense stalemate over the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Basically, the players are pushing for a bigger slice of the pie. They want a $10.5 million salary cap and 30% of gross revenue. The league? They’re countering with about half that. It’s a classic showdown. Because of this, everything is delayed. We’re talking about the expansion drafts for the new teams in Portland and Toronto being pushed back, and free agency is basically on ice.
There's even talk of a strike. On December 18, the union authorized a strike if they can't bridge the gap. So, while we expect a mid-May start for the 44-game season, nothing is set in stone.
🔗 Read more: College Football Top 10: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Rankings
The Unrivaled mystery: Why isn't she in Miami?
A lot of people expected Caitlin to join the 3-on-3 "Unrivaled" league this winter. It made sense on paper. They offered her a massive seven-figure deal and a Lionel Messi-style equity stake.
But she turned it down.
She’s taking a breather. After playing essentially non-stop from her final Iowa season straight into the WNBA, her body finally revolted in 2025. She only managed 13 games last year before the Indiana Fever had to shut her down. Instead of chasing more money in Miami or Philadelphia this January, she's been back in the gym—what some sources call "psychopath mode"—focusing on 5-on-5 recovery and traditional training.
💡 You might also like: Cleveland Guardians vs Atlanta Braves Matches: Why This Interleague Rivalry Hits Different
Is Caitlin Clark playing for Team USA soon?
This is the "million-dollar" question. While she isn't playing today, your next real chance to see her might not be in a Fever jersey. It might be in the Red, White, and Blue.
The 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers are looming in March. Team USA is already qualified for the main event in Berlin this September, but they have several games scheduled this spring to get the roster gelled. Caitlin has hinted that USA Basketball is her "top priority" right now.
Keep an eye on these dates:
📖 Related: Cincinnati vs Oklahoma State Basketball: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big 12 Grind
- March 2026: FIBA World Cup Qualifying windows.
- Mid-March 2026: Proposed WNBA training camps (if the CBA gets signed).
- May 2026: Projected WNBA regular-season tip-off.
The reality of her recovery
It’s easy to forget she’s human. In late 2025, Fever GM Amber Cox was very clear: they weren't going to rush her back. The groin injury she suffered in July 2025 was significant. If you’ve ever had a soft tissue injury, you know they linger.
She’s been active on social media lately, even showing some love to fellow Iowa alum George Kittle after his recent injury, but being "active" isn't the same as being "game ready." The good news? All signs point to her being 100% by the time training camp opens. She’s been seen working out at the Fever facilities, avoiding the flashy 3-on-3 circuits to ensure her quad and groin are fully healed.
What you should actually do now
If you're a fan trying to catch her live, don't buy tickets from "resale" sites claiming to have 2026 seats yet. They’re guessing.
- Wait for the CBA: Until you see news that the WNBA and WNBPA have signed a deal, the May start date is just a "best guess."
- Watch the FIBA roster: USA Basketball usually announces their training camp invites in February. That will be the first official confirmation of her return to competitive play.
- Follow the Fever's official "Waitlist": Since the schedule is in limbo, the team is prioritizing season ticket holders and waitlist members for when the 2026 dates finally drop.
We’re in a weird gap where the biggest star in the sport is intentionally staying out of the spotlight to save her career for the long haul. It sucks for us on a Sunday in January, but it’s probably the smartest move she’s ever made.
Actionable Insight for Fans: Check the official USA Basketball roster announcements in early February. If Caitlin's name is there, her first televised game of 2026 will likely be a World Cup exhibition or qualifier in March, well before the WNBA season officially kicks off in May. For now, any site claiming to sell "opening night" tickets is selling you a placeholder, not a confirmed seat.