Over the weekend, WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark returned to meaningful five-on-five basketball for the first time since her season-ending groin injury on July 15. After a record-breaking rookie season, Clark was limited to 13 games for the Indiana Fever in 2025. She averaged 16.5 points, 5 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game in those contests.
Clark made her return at USA Basketball training camp, which also marked the 23-year-old’s first opportunity to play with the senior national team. By all accounts, Clark was back to full strength. The Fever star said her body felt “100 percent,” and reporters who covered the camp in Durham, North Carolina, confirmed that Clark had the full attention of several WNBA coaches in attendance.
Advertisement
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shakes hands with Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) and Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during a timeout.© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
On the “No Offseason” podcast, The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant shared one specific moment from USA Basketball camp when Clark’s competitive fire was on full display against Los Angeles Sparks guard and 2024 Olympic gold medalist Kelsey Plum.
“Kelsey is knocking her off the ball and Caitlin gets called for a foul and she starts yelling at the refs ‘She’s grabbing me!’” Merchant said. “All of the coaches from WNBA teams who were sitting there watching are just cracking up.”
Advertisement
Fever head coach Stephanie White was one of the three assistants over the weekend for new head coach Kara Lawson, who coaches the Duke Blue Devils. Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase and Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts were also on staff.
Many more coaches and front office members, including Fever general manager Amber Cox and president Kelly Krauskopf, convened on Tobacco Road for the significant offseason event. Merchant mentioned that Plum and Clark also got the attention of Becky Hammon, head coach of the 2025 WNBA Finals champion Las Vegas Aces.
Advertisement
With collective bargaining negotiations stalled, it remains to be seen if and when the WNBA will return for the 2026 season. In the meantime, the next step for Team USA is a FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in March.
Clark stated that USA Basketball is her “top priority” this offseason. She is not planning to play in outside leagues like Unrivaled or Project B.
Related: Caitlin Clark’s New Comments Put Pressure on WNBA Amid CBA Negotiations
Related: USA Basketball Coach Sends Message Ahead of Caitlin Clark Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
