Caitlin Clark Withdraws from WNBA All-Star Game Due to Groin Injury

Caitlin Clark announced her withdrawal from both the WNBA All-Star Game and the 3-Point Contest due to a groin injury sustained earlier this week.

On July 17, the 23-year-old guard shared her disappointment through a statement on the Indiana Fever’s Instagram account. “I’m so excited for Indy to host WNBA All-Star this weekend,” she expressed, acknowledging the efforts of the Indianapolis Host Committee. “I know this will be the best All-Star yet.”

However, she added, “I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-Point contest or the All-Star Game. I have to rest my body. I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy [Brondello] coach our team to a win.”

Earlier this month, Clark was named one of the team captains for the All-Star Game scheduled for July 19 in Indianapolis. She was set to lead a team coached by Brondello, head coach of the New York Liberty, while Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier was to lead the opposing team with Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve.

Following Clark’s announcement, the WNBA confirmed that Brittney Sykes of the Washington Mystics would take her place on the All-Star roster. A replacement for the 3-Point Contest has yet to be determined.

This season has been challenging for Clark, who has faced multiple injuries. Her absence marks her 10th game missed this year, following a left quad injury in May that sidelined her for five games and a left groin injury in June that kept her out for four games.

Most recently, she suffered a right groin injury during a game against the Connecticut Sun on July 15. Imaging tests were conducted to assess the injury's severity, leading to her exclusion from the Fever’s subsequent game.

The issue of player injuries has gained attention within the WNBA, particularly as athletes negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. This season saw an increase in games from 40 to 44, compressing the schedule and reducing rest days for players.

Liberty guard Natasha Cloud voiced concerns about this trend in June, stating, “If [WNBA commissioner] Cathy [Engelbert] keeps adding more games in this short stint of time, the injuries are going to continue to go up. When you talk about a big business and the overall protection of your investment, we are the investment as players. Your job is to protect us.”

Before Clark’s announcement, several other players had already been ruled out of the All-Star Game, including Satou Sabally from the Phoenix Mercury and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is also at risk of missing the event due to a leg injury sustained in a recent matchup against the Dream.

The WNBA All-Star Game is set to air on ABC on July 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET.