Caitlin Clark to miss game against Sparks after back injury
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 5:46 AM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever will miss Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a back injury suffered on Wednesday. Clark tweaked her back while landing on the foot of Valériane Ayayi of the Phoenix Mercury. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White criticized the physicality of the opponent's play, noting that Clark has faced numerous rough plays since her rookie season. Hall of Famer Dick Vitale echoed these concerns, stating that the treatment of Clark is unacceptable. The WNBA issued a suspension and fine to Alyssa Thomas for a non-basketball act but did not apply further penalties for the Ayayi incident. Thomas will serve her suspension during the Fever's next game against the Toronto Tempo.
- •Clark injured her back on a fall during a game against Phoenix.
- •Stephanie White called two plays against Clark 'cheap shots.'
- •Dick Vitale defended Clark on social media, criticizing opponent behavior.
- •Alyssa Thomas received a suspension for her actions; the WNBA issued a fine.
- •Indiana Fever faces Los Angeles Sparks without Clark on Saturday.
- 3:28 PMYahoo Sports — ‘They’re absolute morons’: Dave Portnoy slams WNBA’s ‘jealousy’ and ‘abuse’ of Caitlin Clark
- 5:46 AMYahoo Sports — ’Totally UNACCEPTABLE’ — Legendary Broadcaster Blasts WNBA Players’ ’Abuse’ of Caitlin Clark
"The WNBA’s treatment of its biggest star. Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark has become a hot-button issue in the last week. Clark’s back was injured in a game against the Phoenix Mercury after a reckless closeout. Clark was struck in the neck area by Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas, resulting in Clark’s missing the Fever’s…
"Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White announced on Friday that franchise superstar Caitlin Clark will miss Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Clark tweaked her back on Wednesday after landing on the foot of Phoenix Mercury’s Valériane Ayayi.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 3:28 PM‘They’re absolute morons’: Dave Portnoy slams WNBA’s ‘jealousy’ and ‘abuse’ of Caitlin Clark
The WNBA’s treatment of its biggest star. Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark has become a hot-button issue in the last week. Clark’s back was injured in a game against the Phoenix Mercury after a reckless closeout. Clark was struck in the neck area by Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas, resulting in Clark’s missing the Fever’s…
- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 5:46 AM’Totally UNACCEPTABLE’ — Legendary Broadcaster Blasts WNBA Players’ ’Abuse’ of Caitlin Clark
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White announced on Friday that franchise superstar Caitlin Clark will miss Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Clark tweaked her back on Wednesday after landing on the foot of Phoenix Mercury’s Valériane Ayayi.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WNBA•Sep 24, 2026, 11:31 AMOlivia Miles is our Rookie of the Year. But who else stood out in a deep WNBA class?
WNBA•Sep 24, 2026, 10:55 AMAtlanta Dream star tied WNBA single-season steals record in win over New York Liberty
WNBA•Sep 24, 2026, 10:46 AMIndiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx: Caitlin Clark points, stats
WNBA•Sep 24, 2026, 10:09 AMThe Lynx are the WNBA's top seed. So why do they suddenly look vulnerable? | Opinion
WNBA•Sep 24, 2026, 9:31 AMScoring has exploded in the WNBA this season. The Indiana Fever are leading the charge
WNBA•Sep 24, 2026, 9:09 AMSoccer games today: Full schedule of international matches on September 24