WNBA

Sophie Cunningham hints at what’s really delaying Caitlin Clark’s Fever comeback

Caitlin Clark's absence this season has been a major setback for the Indiana Fever. Teammate Sophie Cunningham, who is also out for the year, explained why the All-Star guard has yet to return.

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever
© Sean M. Haffey/Getty ImagesSophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has only suited up for 13 contests in the 2025 WNBA campaign, which has been a major loss for the franchise and the league. However, teammate Sophie Cunningham, who is also set to miss the rest of the season, gave a minor update on her condition recently.

Advertisement

On the latest installment of her podcast “Show Me Something,” which she co-hosts with reality TV personality West Wilson, Cunningham talked about the harsh conditions of the league that may be slowing down Clark’s return to the floor.

Cunningham admitted she doesn’t have any concrete updates for fans on when Clark could rejoin the team. She stressed that the 23-year-old is still being monitored daily, and in a league as competitive as the WNBA, “almost ready” doesn’t quite cut it.

Advertisement

“Yeah, she’s close, but like you also have to remember, like she could be playing if it wasn’t in the WNBA by now,” Cunningham explained. “At this level, with how deep and like how good people are nowadays in our league, which is the best it’s ever been,” she said. “You can’t just be good. You have to be on top of your game. And so, just trying to get her back in game shape, I think, is what they’re trying to do.”

sophie cunningham and caitlin clark

Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham react on the bench

Advertisement

Clark has been sidelined since July 15 with a right groin issue, and while head coach Stephanie White has expressed optimism about a return before the end of the regular season, there remains no definitive timeline. Counting the preseason, this marks the fourth different muscle injury Clark has battled in 2025.

Sophie Cunningham’s contract: Her salary and remaining time on Indiana Fever

see also

The Fever’s struggles with injuries

The Fever have been hit especially hard by the injury bug, losing backup guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald to season-ending injuries during the final matchup of a grueling four-game, seven-day road stretch.

Advertisement

Cunningham herself recently tore her MCL against the Connecticut Sun, just two days after Indiana hosted a Friday night game. Across the league, stars like Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Paige Bueckers, and Kayla Thornton have all missed significant time.

With the WNBA averaging fewer rest days than at any point in the last five years, the season has already seen 200 recorded injuries, nearly matching last year’s total of 203 with more than 50 games left to play.

Advertisement
ALSO READ
Sandy Brondello reveals the toughest player to face alongside Caitlin Clark
WNBA

Sandy Brondello reveals the toughest player to face alongside Caitlin Clark

Fever announce new addition to help Caitlin Clark and players for 2025-26 WNBA season
WNBA

Fever announce new addition to help Caitlin Clark and players for 2025-26 WNBA season

WNBA News: Kelsey Mitchell reveals what sets Fever star Caitlin Clark apart from the rest
WNBA

WNBA News: Kelsey Mitchell reveals what sets Fever star Caitlin Clark apart from the rest

Fever star Sophie Cunningham takes direct shot at Cathy Engelbert amid player and coach grievances in the WNBA
WNBA

Fever star Sophie Cunningham takes direct shot at Cathy Engelbert amid player and coach grievances in the WNBA

Better Collective Logo