Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark made it clear that she had two top priorities during the 2026 offseason.
There is no denying that almost everything Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark touches seems to turn into gold.
From her time at the University of Iowa — where she helped catapult NCAA women’s basketball into a new stratosphere of visibility — to her arrival in the WNBA, Clark’s impact has been undeniable. Television ratings surged. Ticket demand skyrocketed. Brand partnerships multiplied. Simply put, her presence has repeatedly translated into tangible growth for the sport.
So naturally, ahead of the highly anticipated second season of Unrivaled — the 3-on-3 league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier — many expected “Ponytail Pete” to be among the final 48 players selected.
However, when the confirmed roster was released, Clark was the biggest name missing. For a player whose star power has become synonymous with viewership spikes and commercial momentum, her absence immediately sparked questions.
Why isn’t Clark playing? The answer begins with health.
Injuries disrupted nearly every part of Clark’s second WNBA campaign. Despite earning enough votes from players to secure All-Star recognition, she was limited to just 13 appearances due to lingering groin and ankle issues. What initially appeared manageable ultimately proved persistent. By early September, it was officially announced that Clark would be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season.
That decision shifted her priorities. During her exit interviews, Clark made it clear that regaining full health was at the top of her list. The other focus? Preparing for future opportunities with Team USA.
The timing is significant. Team USA is expected to compete in the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany later this year, where the Americans will attempt to secure their fifth straight title. If healthy, Clark would be expected to operate in a major role — potentially even as a starter — as the team chases another gold medal.
At the same time, expectations will be enormous back in Indiana.
After a strong playoff run that ended in the semifinal round last season, the pressure is only rising. Indiana will not be satisfied with simply competing. The expectation will be to push even deeper, and Clark will be central to that mission.
By opting out of Unrivaled, she appears to be prioritizing recovery and long-term readiness over additional exposure. It may not be the flashy decision, especially for someone whose presence alone elevates a league’s profile, but it is a calculated one.
Whether that choice ultimately pays off will become clear once the new season tips off. But one thing remains certain: the moment Caitlin Clark returns to the court, the spotlight will be brighter than ever.
And if history is any indication, she’ll be ready for it.