During her second year in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark secured the highest number of votes for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game and was appointed captain of her team. She is set to compete against fellow captain Napheesa Collier in the All-Star event scheduled for July 19 in Indianapolis. Clark’s designation as the WNBA All-Star captain highlights her growing influence within the league.
Indiana Fever Prepares for First Appearance in Commissioner’s Cup Final
The announcement comes as the Indiana Fever prepare to make their debut in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final. On Tuesday, July 1, the Fever will face the reigning champions, the Minnesota Lynx, in a pivotal matchup held in Minnesota. This game represents a critical moment for the Fever and their star player despite ongoing injury concerns surrounding Clark.
Support from WNBA Leadership and Clark’s Confident Outlook
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert publicly acknowledged Clark’s achievement during a team event, offering congratulations on her role as All-Star captain. According to Engelbert,
“Caitlin, I just want to personally congratulate you on being named captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star team,” —Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
Clark responded to the commissioner’s good wishes for the team ahead of the Commissioner’s Cup final with confidence, saying,
“Yeah, we about to get that dub Cathy,” —Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Star
Record-Breaking All-Star Voting and Injury Challenges
Clark’s popularity with fans is underscored by her breaking the league record for All-Star voting, receiving over one million votes, the highest total in WNBA history. Despite her success, Clark has been sidelined by a groin injury, missing the last two games for the Fever. Her participation in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup final remains uncertain as she is listed as day-to-day, casting doubt on her availability for the title game.
Debate Over the Clark-Reese Rivalry and Its Impact on WNBA Ratings
The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has generated significant discussion among WNBA audiences in recent seasons. Angel Reese highlighted her role during her rookie year by suggesting that fans tune into games to watch her as well as Clark. However, sports columnist Christine Brennan of USA Today, author of On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports, weighed in recently during an appearance on ESPN LA.
“The TV viewership is all about Caitlin Clark, not Angel and Caitlin. Just Caitlin,” Brennan said. “I think Angel is a great rebounder and excellent at what she does, but she doesn’t move the needle when it comes to ratings. Caitlin does.” —Christine Brennan, Sports Columnist
Brennan’s perspective credits Clark as the primary driving force behind the recent surge in WNBA viewership, dismissing the idea that Reese contributes significantly to the league’s television popularity.
Clark’s Absence and Its Potential Impact on Indiana Fever’s Playoff Prospects
While Caitlin Clark demonstrated a standout performance during her rookie season, injuries have marred the start of her sophomore year, limiting her time on the court and raising concerns about Indiana’s playoff chances. The Fever’s upcoming games will test the team’s depth and resilience in Clark’s uncertain absence.