5 Key Things To Know About Caitlin Clark’s Highly Anticipated Return To The WNBA Court

The wait is officially over for fans eager to see the biggest name in basketball back in action. As of today, December 17, 2025, superstar guard Caitlin Clark is healthy, recovered, and has a definitive date for her return to the WNBA regular season. After an injury-marred 2024 rookie campaign that left fans wanting more, Clark’s next major appearance on the professional hardwood will be to kick off the Indiana Fever’s 2025 season.

The definitive answer to "when is Caitlin Clark back" centers on the Indiana Fever’s 2025 WNBA season opener, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025. This game will be a highly-anticipated home matchup against a familiar rival, the Chicago Sky. Before that official tip-off, Clark is already back on the court, showcasing her recovery and elite skill level during the WNBA off-season with USA Basketball commitments, proving she is 100% healthy and ready for a blockbuster sophomore year.

Caitlin Clark: Player Profile and Career Milestones

Caitlin Elizabeth Clark is an American professional basketball player whose collegiate career at the University of Iowa redefined the landscape of women's sports and shattered numerous records. Her transition to the WNBA has been one of the most covered sports stories in recent memory, making her a global icon.

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• Full Name: Caitlin Elizabeth Clark
• Date of Birth: January 22, 2002
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 23
• Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
• College: University of Iowa (2020–2024)
• WNBA Team: Indiana Fever (Drafted 1st overall in 2024)
• Position: Guard
• Key Collegiate Records:
  • NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer (men's or women's).
  • First Division-I player to record over 3,800 points, 1,000 assists, and 950 rebounds in a career.
  • Two-time Naismith College Player of the Year (2023, 2024).

The Definitive Return: When Caitlin Clark Will Play Her Next WNBA Game

The most immediate and significant answer to when fans will see Caitlin Clark play again is the start of the 2025 WNBA season. Her 2024 season was cut short due to injury, limiting her to just a handful of games. Her return to the court is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events of the spring.

1. The 2025 WNBA Season Opener: May 17, 2025

Caitlin Clark's official return to the WNBA regular season will be on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This highly anticipated game is the Indiana Fever’s season opener and will be played at their home arena, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis. The opponent for this marquee matchup is the Chicago Sky, a team that has already developed a fierce rivalry with the Fever, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the opening day.

The Fever, under the guidance of coach Stephanie White, are looking to build on the momentum generated by Clark’s arrival, which saw unprecedented spikes in attendance and television ratings in 2024. Her return marks the beginning of what the team hopes will be a deeper playoff run in 2025, after narrowly missing out on the WNBA Finals in her rookie year.

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2. Current Status: Back on the Court and "100% Healthy"

While the WNBA season doesn't start until May, Clark is already back to competitive basketball. As of December 2025, she has been participating in a USA Basketball training camp. This is a crucial step in her recovery and preparation for the 2025 season.

Clark herself has reported that she is "100% healthy," having fully recovered from the various injuries that sidelined her during the latter part of the 2024 season. Her participation in the Team USA camp, which involves high-level drills and scrimmages, confirms she has been cleared by medical staff and is regaining her peak form. This off-season work is vital for her to integrate into the national team's system and sharpen her game against the world's best players.

Caitlin Clark’s Off-Season Plans and Other Potential Appearances

The period between the conclusion of one WNBA season and the start of the next is often referred to as the "off-season," but for a player of Clark's caliber, it is a time of intense training, recovery, and strategic development. Her 2024-2025 off-season is focused on two main priorities: physical recovery and national team commitments.

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3. Focusing on Recovery and Team USA

Following her injury-plagued rookie season, Clark's primary focus has been on ensuring a complete and thorough recovery. The decision to prioritize health has led to her declining participation in other high-profile leagues. Specifically, Clark will not be participating in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, which is scheduled to tip off in Miami in January 2025. This choice highlights her commitment to being fully fit for the Indiana Fever's 2025 campaign.

Instead, her competitive focus outside of the Fever is on USA Basketball. Working with the national team offers an unparalleled opportunity for skill development, playing alongside and against established WNBA veterans and Olympic gold medalists. This experience is expected to significantly elevate her game, especially in terms of defensive positioning and overall court management, making her a more formidable player upon her WNBA return.

4. The Full 2025 Indiana Fever Schedule

While the May 17th opener is the main event, the entire 2025 Indiana Fever schedule is a highly-anticipated calendar for basketball fans. The season is scheduled to run from May through September 2025. Key dates to watch for include:

• Rivalry Games: All matchups against the Chicago Sky, which feature the intense competition between Clark and other young stars, will be national television events.
• Western Conference Powerhouses: Games against perennial title contenders like the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty will provide a true test of the Fever's championship aspirations and Clark's ability to perform against elite competition.
• Home Games: The Fever’s home games are consistently selling out, a phenomenon dubbed the "Clark Effect." Securing tickets early for any home game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is essential for fans hoping to see her play live.

5. The "Clark Effect" and the WNBA's Future

Caitlin Clark's return is not just important for the Indiana Fever; it is a critical moment for the entire WNBA. Her presence drives unprecedented levels of interest, media coverage, and commercial success—the "Clark Effect." Her sophomore season is expected to solidify the league's growth, continuing the trend of sold-out arenas, record-breaking viewership, and increased corporate sponsorships.

The narrative of her comeback—from a disappointing injury setback to a full-strength return—will be a major storyline. Fans are eager to see the full potential of the Fever with a healthy Clark leading the charge, alongside her teammates, as they aim for a WNBA championship title. Her ability to consistently deliver deep three-pointers, no-look passes, and clutch performances will be the driving force behind the league's continued surge in popularity throughout the 2025 season and beyond. The countdown to May 17, 2025, is officially on.