Indiana Fever fans have been on tenterhooks, awaiting word on their star guard’s recovery. Questions swirl in the air if Caitlin Clark will don the Fever colors today against the New York Liberty or continue watching from the sidelines.
After nearly three weeks of rehabilitation following a left quadriceps injury, Clark appears ready to return to the hardwood. According to the latest update by the Fever, the 23-year-old is cleared to play against the Liberty today.
Caitlin Clark Poised to Return vs. Liberty After Quad Strain
Clark’s injury stemmed from a left quad strain during the Fever’s narrow 90-88 loss at home to New York on May 24. Initial prognosis suggested a minimum two-week absence, but the Fever’s medical staff opted to extend the rehab period to be sure. Now, she’s ready to make a comeback after sitting out five games in a row.
Caitlin Clark says she’s ready to return after a quad injury sidelined her for five games. The Fever face the defending champs, the New York Liberty, at home Saturday. pic.twitter.com/XCqK8YSaRG
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 13, 2025
Throughout this hiatus, the 6ft guard was seen courtside in every match, standing tall to support her teammates, who went on to lose every game without her. The Fever’s luck returned on June 3 against the Washington Mystics, when they got their first win (85-76 home victory) without their star player. This win was followed by a second victory against Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky (79-52) on June 7.
Just when Indiana was gaining momentum with the firepower of Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Lexie Hull, among others, they faced defeat against the Atlanta Dream on June 10, cutting their winning streak short with 77-58.
MORE: WNBA Ratings Suffer Massive Blow After Caitlin Clark’s Unfortunate Injury
Meanwhile, the WNBA was suffering in equal measures, if not more than the Indiana Fever, due to Clark’s on-court absence. According to USA Today’s stats, nationally televised WNBA viewership plunged roughly 55% after Clark was benched. Fever’s national TV games saw average viewership drop from about 1.8 million to under 850,000.
This downturn highlights the “Caitlin Clark effect.” Since her arrival last season, she has been central to the WNBA’s record-breaking ratings surge. TikPik reported that ticket demand for the Chicago-Indiana game (June 7) dipped by over 70% after Clark was sidelined. It went down to $25 from a standard $85 for the get-in tickets. This goes on to show the pull the Fever guard has on the hoops audience.
Caitlin Clark’s injury has sent get-in ticket prices for the Fever’s rivalry game against the Sky down 71% from $86 to $25, per @TickPick.
The June 7 game was moved to the United Center, the 21,000-seat home of the Chicago Bulls—the largest arena in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/l4enuyT0iB
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 27, 2025
Meanwhile, today’s opponent is the New York Liberty, who opened the season with an intimidating 9-0 record. Clark’s return adds a new dimension to Indiana’s attack. Before being sent to the recovery tent, she averaged 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. As soon as the whistle blows, all eyes will be on Indiana’s bench to see how Clark fares against the Liberty after her return.