Indiana Fever Achieve First WNBA Title Amidst Caitlin Clark Injury Uncertainty

Despite missing most of 2025 with a groin injury, Caitlin Clark remained a vital locker-room leader for the Indiana Fever—her energy, humility and support were repeatedly praised by teammates like Kelsey Mitchell and noted by coach Stephanie White. The Fever still reached the WNBA semifinals (pushed eventual champions Las Vegas to seven games) and won their first Commissioners Cup, with veteran Natasha Howard’s defense singled out by Mitchell as the decisive factor in that Cup victory. Mitchell, who led the team in scoring and is set to be an unrestricted free agent, is the Fever’s top offseason retention priority, while the organization is taking a cautious, week‑to‑week approach to Clark’s rehab and gradual return to play. Off the court Clark’s global fame hasn’t changed her approach; teammates highlight her humility and she’s become a high-profile Nike signature athlete with a growing sneaker line and on‑court superstition stories (e.g., her Air Force 1s). If Indiana can re-sign Mitchell and get Clark fully healthy, the club believes it has the core to compete for a championship next season.