When Caitlin Clark told fans she would not return this season, it felt like the air left the gym. The star guard had already lifted Indiana into the national spotlight, but a groin injury kept her sidelined for months. Many hoped the playoffs would bring her back. Instead, her announcement closed the door.
That didn’t stop the Fever. Under head coach Stephanie White, Indiana fought through adversity and stunned the league by beating the Atlanta Dream to move into the WNBA playoffs. Led by Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard, and Aliyah Boston, the Fever kept their season alive when many counted them out.
With momentum building, fans can’t help but wonder: if Indiana keeps advancing, is there any way Clark could return?
Roster Rules End the Debate
The short answer is no. As Chloe Peterson of the IndyStar reported, WNBA rules only allow players listed on the official playoff roster to take the court. Clark was not included when Indiana submitted its lineup. That makes her ineligible, regardless of how quickly she recovers.
Indiana’s postseason roster is thin. The Fever entered with 11 active players, including hardship signees Odyssey Sims, Aerial Powers, Shey Peddy, and Bree Hall. Damiris Dantas, now out with a concussion, remains eligible to return later. Clark does not.
Ratings Tell a Different Story
Even if she can’t play, Clark’s impact is impossible to ignore. Her rookie games last season averaged 1.2 million viewers, nearly tripling the WNBA’s typical numbers, according to Nielsen. When she went down this year, viewership dropped 55%.
But Tuesday’s Game 2 against Atlanta showed the Fever’s pull extends beyond one star. ESPN reported the game averaged 1.5 million viewers and peaked at 1.7 million – the second-most-watched first-round Game 2 in league history. Fans tuned in to see Indiana fight, not just to watch Clark.
What It Means Going Forward
Clark’s absence has proven two things. First, her star power drives ratings in a way no rookie ever has. Second, the Fever – and the league – can still thrive without her on the floor.
If Indiana keeps advancing, the spotlight will only grow. Clark may not be on the court this postseason, but her presence is felt in every storyline, every broadcast, and every number the league tracks.
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