What was anticipated to be a triumphant moment for the WNBA and its breakout star, Caitlin Clark, instead turned into a frustrating repeat scenario: Clark, the face of the 2025 All-Star Weekend, has officially pulled out of both the All-Star Game and the Three‑Point Contest due to a groin injury flare-up.
This weekend was meant to be Clark’s “homecoming.” As the Indiana Fever rookie and top vote-getter, she was set to star on her home court in Indianapolis. But the recurring groin injury has sidelined her. “I’m incredibly sad and disappointed,” she stated via the Fever, adding: “I can’t participate … I have to rest my body. I’ll still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse … looking forward to helping Sandy coach our team to a win.”
A Blow to the League’s Showcase
The WNBA had positioned Clark as the linchpin of All-Star Weekend’s appeal. Her absence removes the weekend’s most valuable marketing asset in the city where she’s sparked renewed interest. Despite her recent cold shooting stretch—just 14.3% from three in her last seven games—her presence alone ensured buzz and viewership. Now, the league must deliver through basketball alone.
Replacing Clark in the 3‑Point Contest
With Clark out, the Three‑Point Contest still promises top-tier talent. Likely contenders for her spot include:
Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx): A veteran sharpshooter already added to the All-Star Game as a replacement for Rhyne Howard, and third in the league in threes.
Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever): Clark’s teammate and Indiana’s all-time leader in three-pointers—recently surpassing Tamika Catchings—offering local appeal.
Kennedy Burke (New York Liberty): League leader at 47.9% from deep, delivering elite efficiency.
Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix Mercury): A 36-year-old veteran on a roll after a rough prior season—an experienced dark-horse pick.
None yet is officially selected, but Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league are expected to announce a replacement soon.
A Recurring Issue for Clark
This setback isn’t new. Clark has been hobbled by multiple groin and quad injuries this season:
Missed five games earlier due to a left-groin issue.
Tuesday’s flare-up struck her right groin.
In the game, she grimaced, walked off slow, and banged her head in visible frustration.
She missed the next game vs. the Liberty.
Fever coach Stephanie White emphasized the long-term view: “As the coach … it’s not a bigger deal than our season.”
For Indiana, that’s accurate—while her presence is valuable, preserving Clark for the grind ahead is paramount. But for the league, losing the face of the All-Star weekend is a public relations challenge.
The Bigger Picture
Clark, last season’s Rookie of the Year, has fueled a spike in league attendance, ratings, and marketing. She set the all-time WNBA voting record with over 1.29 million votes. These numbers show her appeal—but her season has also been marred by recurring injuries, making this latest withdrawal both predictable and disappointing.
On a personal level, Clark has never missed games before turning pro—yet this year she’s missed at least ten (regular-season plus Commissioner’s Cup) due to quad and groin strains and other muscle issues. Beyond losing time, her form is down—averaging around 16.5 PPG, 8.8 APG, with 36.7% field goal and 27.9% 3-point efficiency—rather than the elite shooting that excited fans.
What’s Next
For the WNBA: The league must reframe All-Star Weekend around stars and gameplay—not just Clark’s presence. Commissioner Engelbert is expected to reveal her replacements soon.
For the Fever: This is a chance for Indiana’s other stars—like Kelsey Mitchell—to shine and borrow spotlight energy from Clark’s absence.
For Clark: She said she’ll still be courtside, supporting coach Brondello, even if sidelined. Rest is priority—but the pressure is to return smoothly and healthily.
Bottom line: Caitlin Clark’s withdrawal from the All-Star Game and 3‑Point Contest is more than an injury—it’s a stark reminder of how central she’s become to the league’s brand. The WNBA must now pivot to ensure the weekend still delivers drama, star power, and fan interest—without its brightest star on the floor.
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