With the WNBA preseason tipping off this weekend, all eyes are once again on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. But while Clark is gearing up for another headline-grabbing season, she may have more than just basketball rings on her mind.
The star rookie, who took the WNBA by storm in 2024 despite dealing with physical play and relentless criticism from some veteran players, appears to be thriving in a more supportive and positive environment this spring – and part of that could be thanks to a special someone.
On April 24, Clark shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to her longtime boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, celebrating their anniversary. The pair’s story goes all the way back to their college days at Iowa, where McCaffery, the son of Hawkeyes men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery, was a multi-sport athlete himself.
Now an assistant basketball coach at Butler University, just a short drive from Clark’s new home in Indianapolis, Connor has been a steady presence throughout Clark’s journey from college phenom to WNBA superstar.
In her Instagram post, Clark affectionately called McCaffery her “favorite person,” a sweet nod to the bond that has seen them through some of the toughest moments of her young professional career.
It’s clear that love has been a bright spot for Clark during a year when the intensity of life in the WNBA sometimes crossed the line into outright hostility.
Keeping up with teammates
Adding to the buzz, Clark‘s Fever teammate Lexie Hull recently announced her engagement to professional baseball player Will Matthiessen, setting the bar for life milestones within the Fever locker room.
Hull and Matthiessen, who both competed athletically at Stanford, are now preparing for their future together – and having a little playful fun with Clark about it along the way.
With Clark‘s fiercely competitive nature, it wouldn’t be shocking if she’s now got her own engagement on her radar, alongside chasing a championship. Perhaps by this time next year, Clark could be sporting both a WNBA title ring and a sparkling engagement ring.
Fever fueled by optimism as 2025 season dawns
Before any personal milestones, though, Clark and the Fever have business to handle on the court.
Their preseason opens Saturday with a matchup against the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with regular-season action beginning on May 17 against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky – a game already drawing sky-high ticket prices. Nosebleed seats are going for $83, while courtside experiences are fetching upwards of $3,400.
It’s a testament to Clark‘s undeniable star power. After earning WNBA Rookie of the Year honors with averages of 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, Clark was not only a box office sensation but also a key driver of rising TV ratings and sellout crowds throughout the league.
While fans and analysts are eager to see whether she can elevate the Fever to playoff contention, it’s clear that off the court, Clark has found a strong source of happiness and grounding. Whether or not an engagement is on the immediate horizon, one thing’s for sure: Caitlin Clark is winning where it matters most.
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