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.
- 5:46 AMYahoo Sports — ’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.
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