Caitlin Clark Set to Return in Indiana Fever Exhibition Match

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever is expected to play Sunday in an exhibition match against the Brazilian National Team at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This game marks her return to Iowa City since graduating last year.

Clark sat out her first game in six years on Saturday due to a left leg injury, watching from the bench as the Fever defeated the Washington Mystics 79-74 in overtime. Coach Stephanie White noted Clark’s active role during the game, saying, “Her communication was outstanding. She wanted to get back on the court.” Clark’s participation in Sunday’s game depends on her recovery following a successful workout leading up to the match.

In her first season with Indiana after being traded from Phoenix, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds last season. She has been a standout player, named first-team All-WNBA and Rookie of the Year in 2024. During her time at Iowa from 2020 to 2024, she never missed a game, becoming the all-time Division I scoring leader.

The exhibition game, which will air at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN, will allow Clark to reconnect with former teammates and family in the area. “I’m really excited. It should be fun,” Clark said. She humorously cautioned fans about the lack of air conditioning in the arena, adding, “I don’t know what the humidity’s looking like, but we’ll see how it goes.”

This event forms part of a growing trend where WNBA teams hold preseason games at their star players’ college campuses. Dantas, a veteran forward for the Fever and native of Brazil, will also compete against her national team.

As the Fever begin a new season with new coaching staff and players, this match will showcase their evolving team dynamics and offer a glimpse of their upcoming season.