“{The referee} said I ran into her. I’ve already watched it on the tape, so we’ll let the league decide,” Clark told reporter Holly Rowe once the game concluded. “But it wasn’t intentional or anything, so I’m hoping it’s getting rescinded. Holly, I’ll see you in the New York game. I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

Next Tuesday, August 11, Stephanie White’s team will host the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Will Caitlin Clark ultimately be able to play in the game?

The controversial play

During Fever’s 90-86 victory over Sky, Caitlin Clark picked up her eighth technical foul of the season with just one minute left in the third quarter following a chaotic sequence where she made contact with an official. After losing her footing on a play and falling directly into a referee, officials whistled her for a technical foul due to the physical contact and the ensuing reaction.

What punishment will Clark receive?

If the league confirms the suspension, Clark will not only miss a key game against the Liberty, but will also have to pay a $1,500 fine. A precedent involving Clark herself could offer some hope.

In May 2024, during a game against the Seattle Storm, Clark received a technical foul for arguing with officials. However, after reviewing the video the following day, the WNBA officially rescinded the technical, determining that the call was unwarranted and reducing her season total.

What’s next for the Fever?

Following their matchup against the Chicago Sky, the Indiana Fever return home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a two-game homestand, beginning with a clash against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, August 11, followed by a matchup against the Dallas Wings on Friday, August 14. After those home games, Indiana takes to the road to face the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on Sunday, August 16.

“If New York is open to sending Laney-Hamilton elsewhere, Indiana could do a lot worse than expressing interest in her services. For all of the Fever’s success, their defense has been underwhelming, posting a 109.0 defensive rating, the sixth-worst mark in the league this season,” David Suggs from The Sporting News wrote.

He also added: “Laney-Hamilton would represent a solid and inexpensive upgrade for White’s defensive setup.” Will Laney-Hamilton ultimately be the missing piece Stephanie White needs to turn the Fever into a true championship contender?

Indiana’s defensive issues

Despite their high-powered offense, defensive struggles continue to be the primary concern for the Indiana Fever this season. Indiana ranks near the bottom of the WNBA defensively, allowing 89.8 points per game and holding a disappointing 109.5 Defensive Rating.

Opponents have capitalized on their perimeter breakdowns and transition defense, shooting an efficient 46.0% from the field against them. While their explosive scoring keeps them competitive in the playoff race, these recurring defensive lapses make it challenging for the Fever to close out games and contend with the league’s top-tier offenses.

Bueckers’ Wings could be another destination

The Dallas Wings are another team strongly competing for a playoff spot, with Paige Bueckers currently serving as their biggest star. Acquiring Laney-Hamilton would strengthen their defense, although ESPN’s Michael Voepel believes there are other teams that could also land her services.

“Dallas could be interested in adding a veteran who could help what has been a pretty good defensive team that could get better. Toronto and Connecticut might have interest in Laney-Hamilton, too. It might come down to whether New York is seriously looking to make a deal,” he said.

Laney-Hamilton’s numbers this season

In 2026, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has seen a reduced role with the New York Liberty, averaging 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 16.8 minutes per game across 17 appearances. Despite her modest production in a crowded Brooklyn rotation, she remains a highly sought-after target ahead of the WNBA trade deadline due to her proven track record as an elite two-way wing.

Rival franchises view the 2024 champion and former All-Defensive selection as a high-upside veteran who can immediately elevate a contender’s defense, provide playoff poise, and offer versatile scoring depth for the postseason stretch.

WNBA trade deadline draws near

The 2026 WNBA trade deadline is set for Sunday, August 2. After that date, teams are no longer allowed to make trades for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

Lingering back discomfort had raised questions about her availability in recent games. However, it did not appear to slow down the No. 22, as she delivered a standout performance against the Seattle Storm with 32 points to lead her team to the 18th victory.

In her recent games, Clark has averaged 30.3 PPG, 8.8 APG, 4.3 3PM, and 2.5 steals and blocks. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star is undoubtedly performing at the level expected of her since arriving in the WNBA.

Clark remains on the edge

Caitlin Clark is a player who often plays with her emotions on the edge, having been penalized with technical fouls on multiple occasions. Although she did not receive her eighth technical foul against the Seattle Storm, if she does so against the Fire during her visit to Portland, she will have to serve a one-game suspension and pay a $1,500 fine.

The Fever aim to return to the Playoffs

Driven by the stellar play of Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever are making a fierce push to secure their spot in the playoffs once again. Currently sitting 5th in the overall standings with a strong 18-10 record, Indiana has proven to be one of the most dangerous teams down the stretch.

Clark’s elite playmaking and high-octane scoring have been central to their success, but she isn’t doing it alone—key figures like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston are also performing at an elite level, giving the Fever a dominant core as they build serious momentum for the postseason.

What’s next for Indiana?

With the goal of staying near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, these are the upcoming games for Stephanie White’s team:

• at Portland Fire, July 31
• at Minnesota Lynx, August 2
• vs Las Vegas Aces, August 6
• at Chicago Sky, August 8
• vs New York Liberty, August 11

Clark burst onto the league’s scene with her elite talent, as well as her trademark fiery competitiveness, often confronting both opponents and referees. At times, however, that intensity has worked against her.

Despite that, the No. 22 made it clear she has no intention of changing the way she plays or who she is. Clark’s message after receiving her seventh technical foul against the Connecticut Sun was unequivocal: “I’m never going to back down.”

Which game could Clark miss if she’s suspended?

After their matchup against the Storm, Stephanie White’s team will continue its West Coast road trip. If Caitlin Clark receives another technical foul and is forced to serve her suspension, she would miss the game against the Portland Fire on Friday, July 31, at the Moda Center.

The Fever need Clark on the court

After the break for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, the season enters a crucial stretch where no team can afford to let victories slip away. This is the case for the Indiana Fever, who, with 17 games remaining, are still in contention in the Eastern Conference.

So far this season, Clark is averaging 21.0 points per game, 7.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. She is also shooting 43.5% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. It is clear that Stephanie White cannot afford to have her off the court for extended periods, which is why Clark might be playing against Storm despite being listed as probable.

What’s next for the Fever?

These are the upcoming games the Fever will have ahead of them as they look to remain in first place in their conference and reach the playoffs in the best possible shape:

• at Seattle Storm (July 28th)
• at Portland Fire (July 31st)
• at Minnesota Lynx (August 2nd)
• vs Las Vegas Aces (August 6th)
• at Chicago Sky (August 8th)

The star guard has been managing a back issue in recent weeks, but she enters the game with a 50-50 chance of playing, putting her in line to suit up if there are no setbacks before tipoff.

She remains the driving force behind Indiana’s offense, averaging 21.0 points and 7.9 assists per game while helping the Fever establish themselves as one of the WNBA‘s top contenders. She also shone during All-Star Weekend.

Why is Caitlin Clark listed on the injury report?

Caitlin Clark is on the Indiana Fever’s injury report because she is managing a back injury and is officially listed as probable for Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Storm. The Fever have not reported any new setbacks.

She has been dealing with the back issue for several weeks. Earlier this season, the injury forced her to miss games, and the Fever have taken a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the problem during the second half of the regular season.

The team has consistently monitored her workload, especially after stretches of heavy minutes. The timing of the injury report is particularly important because Indiana is entering a crucial phase of the season.

The Fever are firmly in the playoff race, and she remains the focal point of the offense, leading the team in scoring and assists while orchestrating nearly every half-court possession. Unless her condition worsens before tipoff, all signs point to the All-Star guard being available against Seattle.

Who could replace Caitlin Clark if she doesn’t play?

If Caitlin Clark is unable to play, veteran guard Sydney Colson is the most likely candidate to step into the starting point guard role, while Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Mitchell would be expected to take on greater ball-handling responsibilities.

Colson gives the Fever experience and defensive stability, but replacing Clark’s production is a collective effort rather than the responsibility of one player. Cunningham can initiate the offense, while Mitchell becomes the primary scoring option in the backcourt.

When was Caitlin Clark’s last game?

Caitlin Clark’s most recent game came in the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, where she played for Team Spoon on July 26. She finished with 17 points while helping Team Spoon defeat Team Coop 129-122 in Chicago.

Her last regular-season appearance came before the All-Star break, when she continued to play through the lingering back injury. Indiana’s medical staff has closely monitored her condition ever since.

She knocked down several deep three-pointers early in the game and helped energize Team Spoon’s offense, reinforcing expectations that she will continue to play a central role for Indiana as long as she remains healthy during the playoff push.

Obama continued by comparing her sudden rise to his own journey into public life. “You know, I always say one of the things that was luckiest for me was, I didn’t get famous a lot, like 45,” he explained. He drew a personal connection by adding, “I mean, you’re my daughters age, and I have that much, you know, version of nonsense.”

The former president urged the young WNBA star to stay focused on her passion for basketball. “So don’t lose that joy,” Obama advised her during their conversation. “The game’s like the game. And you’re hooper. You always say, and you’re on a nice little runright now.”

Why Obama offered his advice to Clark

Obama offered this guidance because he understands the unique burden of sudden, intense public scrutiny. Having navigated massive global media attention himself, he recognized how outside noise can easily overwhelm a rising star. His goal was to remind Clark to keep her passion intact while tuning out distraction.

As a lifelong basketball fan, Obama also wanted to show personal support to one of the game’s brightest icons. By relating her experience to his own daughters’ generation, he offered a warm, parental perspective on managing rapid fame.

Indiana Fever standings and Clark’s season performance

The Indiana Fever currently hold a 17-10 record, placing them near the top of the Eastern Conference. Clark continues to anchor the team’s offense, averaging roughly 21.0 points, 7.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Her stellar play has kept Indiana firmly in playoff contention as the regular season unfolds.

The South African singer is set to perform at United Center on July 25, just one day after releasing her highly anticipated second studio album, APOP*, adding even more anticipation to the league’s biggest showcase.

Known for global hits like “Water” and her growing influence on the Afrobeats and pop scenes, the two-time Grammy winner arrives as the league continues to reach record audiences and expand its cultural footprint.

What time is Tyla’s halftime performance expected to begin?

Tyla’s halftime performance is expected to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET, although the WNBA has not announced an official start time. The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 25.

Halftime does not have a fixed clock time because it depends on game flow, replay reviews, fouls, and timeouts. Fans watching live on ABC and Disney+ can expect Tyla to take the court shortly after the second quarter concludes.

The performance is one of the highlights of the evening, coming just one day after the release of her sophomore album, APOP*. The WNBA announced the Grammy-winning South African artist as the official halftime headliner on July 16.

“I’m honored to be a part of the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game this year. These athletes bring so much power and heart to what they do, and I’m excited to share the stage and bring A*POP to my supporters“, the artist said.

What songs could Tyla perform during the 2026 WNBA All-Star halftime show?

The WNBA has not revealed Tyla’s official halftime setlist, but it is widely expected that the singer will combine her biggest global hits with songs from her newly released album APOP*. Among the most likely songs to appear are:

• “Water” – Tyla’s worldwide breakthrough hit and the song that introduced her to mainstream audiences.
• “Push 2 Start” – The Grammy-winning single that helped earn her a second Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance.
• “IS IT LOVE” – One of the lead singles from APOP*.
• “CHANEL” – Another track released ahead of the album.
• “SHE DID IT AGAIN” (featuring Zara Larsson) – A recent collaboration highlighted by the WNBA in its official announcement.

Because halftime performances typically last between eight and 12 minutes, she is expected to perform a medley rather than full versions of each song. Artists at major sporting events usually focus on their most recognizable tracks.

Who performed at previous WNBA All-Star halftime shows?

The WNBA has featured several high-profile music stars at previous All-Star halftime shows, reflecting the league’s growing emphasis on combining elite basketball with major entertainment.

GloRilla headlined the 2025 halftime show in Indianapolis, bringing one of hip-hop’s biggest names to the event. Her performance was praised for highlighting the strong connection between women’s basketball and contemporary music.

A year earlier, Pitbull energized fans in Phoenix with a performance featuring many of his signature hits, while Kehlani delivered the halftime show during the 2023 All-Star Game in Las Vegas.

With Tyla joining that list in 2026, the WNBA continues to expand the entertainment value of All-Star Weekend by pairing its showcase game with internationally recognized performers.

From established MVPs such as center A’ja Wilson and forward Breanna Stewart to rising stars including forward Angel Reese and guard Olivia Miles, the rosters feature a blend of proven veterans and the league’s brightest young talent.

The draft also split several teammates across opposing sides, adding another layer of intrigue to one of the most anticipated events of the WNBA season. Team Coop and Team Spoon are officially set…

Who is on Team Coop? Full 2026 WNBA All-Star roster

Team Coop features Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard, Gabby Williams, Angel Reese, Sonia Citron, Kahleah Cooper, Marina Mabrey, Dominique Malonga and Jackie Young.

The roster was selected by Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper during the 2026 WNBA All-Star Draft, with Bueckers serving as the team’s captain after finishing as the leading vote-getter among fans.

Who is on Team Spoon? Full 2026 WNBA All-Star roster

Team Spoon includes Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Jessica Shepard, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike and Courtney Williams.

Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon assembled the roster during the televised All-Star Draft, building a team around several former MVPs and perennial All-Stars. The selected captain enters the event after another outstanding season.

A mix of established stars and emerging talent will battle for one of All-Star Weekend’s most coveted individual titles: Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, rookie sensation Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman and more

The annual shooting showcase will once again serve as one of the highlights of All-Star Weekend, with the competitors facing a timed, two-round format that now includes the fan-favorite “From the Logo” shots.

Who are the participants in the 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest?

The 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest features Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman and Janelle Salaun. The six-player field was officially announced by the WNBA ahead of All-Star Weekend.

While Howard and Mabrey have previous experience in the event, four players—Fudd, Carleton, Hiedeman and Salaun—will make their first appearance in the league’s annual shooting showcase.

The competition will take place on Friday, July 24, at Wintrust Arena, serving as one of the headline events before Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center. Here’s a closer look at each participant:

Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo)

Marina enters the contest as one of the favorites after establishing herself as one of the WNBA’s highest-volume three-point shooters. She leads the league in made three-pointers entering All-Star Weekend and has built a reputation for knocking down shots well beyond the arc.

This will be her second appearance in the WNBA 3-Point Contest after previously competing in 2024. With years of experience and elite shot-making ability, she arrives in Chicago as one of the most complete competitors in the field.

Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream)

She returns to the competition after making her debut as a rookie in 2022. The Atlanta Dream star has developed into one of the league’s premier two-way guards while consistently ranking among its top three-point scorers.

Capable of creating her own shot off the dribble or spotting up from deep, she combines range with efficiency. Her previous experience in the event could prove valuable in a contest where rhythm and time management are often decisive.

Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings)

One of the biggest storylines of this year’s contest is the inclusion of rookie Azzi Fudd. Selected first overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft after a standout career at UConn, she quickly translated her elite shooting touch to the professional level, earning an invitation to All-Star Weekend in her first season.

Widely regarded as one of the best shooters to come out of college basketball in recent years, she has the chance to become one of the few rookies to capture the WNBA 3-Point Contest title in her debut appearance.

Bridget Carleton (Portland Fire)

She will represent the expansion Portland Fire after joining the franchise ahead of its inaugural season. Known throughout her WNBA career as a reliable floor spacer, she has become one of the team’s most dependable outside shooters.

Although this is her first time competing in the contest, her smooth shooting mechanics and consistency from long range make her a potential dark horse.

Natisha Hiedeman (Seattle Storm)

She earned her first invitation to the event after putting together one of the best perimeter shooting seasons of her career. She ranks among the league leaders in made three-pointers while attempting a career-high number of shots from beyond the arc.

She has long been recognized for her ability to score in bunches, and the timed format could suit her fast release and confidence when shooting from multiple spots around the floor.

Janelle Salaun (Golden State Valkyries)

She rounds out the field after emerging as one of the WNBA’s most efficient long-range forwards. The French international has become a key offensive weapon for the expansion franchise thanks to her versatility and dependable perimeter shooting.

Like Carleton, Fudd and Hiedeman, she will make her debut in the event. Her ability to maintain a consistent shooting rhythm throughout the regular season has made her one of the competition’s most intriguing first-time participants.

The weekend extends far beyond the All-Star Game, featuring WNBA Live at McCormick Place, player appearances, interactive fan activities and community programs, making it a citywide celebration of women’s basketball.

With many of the league’s biggest stars expected to take the floor, it promises to blend elite competition with entertainment and fan engagement. Fans can expect three days packed with some of the brightest talent under the spotlight.

Where will the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game be played?

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game will be played at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, July 25. The home of the NBA‘s Chicago Bulls and NHL‘s Chicago Blackhawks will host the league’s premier midseason event for the second time.

While the All-Star Game itself takes place at the United Center, the weekend is designed as a citywide celebration rather than a single-night event. The league announced the city as host in 2025, marking its return as host after previously staging the event in 2022.

2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend schedule

Thursday, July 23

• WNBA Live presented by AWS (5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. CT) at McCormick Place
• Orange Carpet at McCormick Place
• WNBA Way at McCormick Place

Friday, July 24

• WNBA Live presented by AWS (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT) at McCormick Place
• State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT) at Wintrust Arena
• Kia WNBA Skills Challenge (Shooting Stars) at Wintrust Arena

Saturday, July 25

• WNBA Live presented by AWS (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT) at McCormick Place
• 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. CT) at United Center, Chicago

What events are included in the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend?

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend includes the All-Star Game, the 3-Point Contest, the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge, WNBA Live, fan experiences, community programs and several special events held across Chicago from July 23-25.

The festivities are spread between the United Center, Wintrust Arena, McCormick Place, the Obama Presidential Center and other locations throughout the city. One of the weekend’s biggest attractions before the All-Star Game is Friday night’s competition at Wintrust Arena.

The State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest brings together many of the league’s best long-range shooters, while the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge tests players in passing, dribbling, and shooting. Both events are nationally televised and have become staples of the league’s annual showcase.

Fans can also visit WNBA Live presented by AWS, an immersive basketball festival hosted at McCormick Place. The interactive experience features player appearances, autograph sessions, sponsor activations, merchandise stores, basketball clinics and entertainment.

The incident immediately sparked debate across the league. Many fans argued the officials overreacted, while others pointed to Clark’s competitive nature as something that inevitably leads to emotional moments on the court. The Fever star has been involved in several heated exchanges throughout the 2026 season, making every technical foul a major storyline.

The timing could hardly be worse for Indiana. Clark now has seven technical fouls this season, leaving her just one technical away from a mandatory one-game suspension under WNBA rules.

What happened with Caitlin Clark?

Caitlin Clark revealed that the incident began after Connecticut guard Saniya Rivers challenged her during the game. According to Clark, the exchange was brief and centered on the score. “She said that she was locking me up, so I said, ‘Scoreboard,’ and the ref didn’t like that.”

The moment quickly became one of the most discussed plays of the night, with many fans debating whether the technical foul was justified. Despite now sitting just one technical foul away from a suspension, Clark made it clear she has no intention of changing who she is as a competitor.

“I’m never going to back down. Just continue to control the emotions as best as you can. That intensity and that fire is what makes me who I am, but I also know my teammates need me. I need to find balance on that. I’m not going to play with that in the back of my head. Just continue to be myself.”