Caitlin Clark, the standout player for the Indiana Fever and a preseason favorite for the WNBA MVP, continues to face injury setbacks that have impacted her chances and the league’s viewership. As the Fever prepare to return from the All-Star break, Clark will miss her 12th game this season due to recurring leg issues, sidelining her for key matchups including the Commissioner’s Cup final.
Shift in MVP Odds and Betting Patterns
Clark’s injury has dramatically altered her MVP betting odds. At DraftKings, her odds have stretched to +7000, positioning her behind current front-runner Napheesa Collier, who holds odds of -700. BetMGM’s odds reflect a similar change, listing Clark at +800 while Collier leads at -600. Despite this, Clark remains the most wagered player for MVP, commanding 53 percent of the total money bet and 48.2 percent of total bets, far outpacing Collier’s 17 percent of money wagered and 11.9 percent of bets placed.
Sportsbooks’ Perspective on the MVP Race
Sportsbooks are seeing Clark’s injury stretch her odds while bettors continue to back her heavily. Hannah Luther, a BetMGM sports trader, noted the ongoing support for both Clark and the Fever amid the injury concerns. She said,
“Bettors continue to back the Fever to win the WNBA Championship and Caitlin Clark to win MVP. But Clark’s injuries have caused her odds to lengthen. The current MVP favorite, Napheesa Collier, winning the award would be a good outcome for the sportsbook.”
Indiana Fever’s Title Chances Amidst Uncertainty
Following a 12-11 record entering the break, the Fever rank sixth in the league. With Clark expected to return soon, Indiana’s odds to win the WNBA title stand at +700, making them the fourth favorite behind the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Phoenix Mercury. The Fever represent the largest exposure for BetMGM in title bets, holding 41.3 percent of all title wagers and 59.6 percent of the total money bet on the championship.
Current WNBA Championship Odds and Team Standings
The WNBA title odds at DraftKings show the following favorites and longshots to win in 2025:
- New York Liberty (+170, opening +190)
- Minnesota Lynx (+200, +350)
- Phoenix Mercury (+500, +4500)
- Indiana Fever (+700, +1300)
- Las Vegas Aces (+2000, +350)
- Seattle Storm (+2200, +1500)
- Atlanta Dream (+2500, +7000)
- Golden State Valkyries (+7500, +20000)
- Washington Mystics (+20000, +10000)
- Los Angeles Sparks (+30000, +12000)
- Chicago Sky (+50000, +7500)
- Dallas Wings (+50000, +12000)
- Connecticut Sun (+100000, +750)
The Golden State Valkyries, who entered the season as considerable underdogs, have unexpectedly built a 10-12 record and represent the second biggest liability for sportsbooks after Indiana.
Potential Impact on Future WNBA Betting and Viewer Interest
Caitlin Clark’s injury challenges test the resilience of the Indiana Fever as they aim to capitalize on her eventual return. While her absence lengthens her MVP odds, the strong betting backing suggests confidence in her recovery and influence on the league. For sportsbooks, Napheesa Collier’s status as MVP favorite and the spread of title bets across teams are shaping a dynamic wagering landscape. The coming weeks will reveal how Clark’s health and the Fever’s performance affect both the season’s outcome and the sports betting market.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark and Swift were spotted together at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans last Saturday. This was the first time they attended a game together. Clark mentioned that Swift had invited her to a game earlier in the season.
Q. Why is Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor?
A. In December, Caitlin Clark shared that Taylor Swift asked her to join her at a Kansas City Chiefs game. It seems Clark accepted the invitation. They were seen in a box together during the Chiefs-Texans playoff game on January 18 at Arrowhead Stadium.
Q. What did Taylor Swift give Caitlin Clark?
A. Taylor Swift gifted all of the Eras Tour T-shirts and sweatshirts to Caitlin Clark. During her visit to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Indianapolis in 2024, the WNBA player Caitlin Clark received four bags of Eras Tour merchandise, thanks to Taylor’s arrangements.
Q. Is Caitlin Clark hanging out with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark mentioned that she and Swift had a great time at the playoff game in Kansas City. She described it as an ideal game to attend with Swift. Clark added that it’s adorable to witness Swift’s enthusiasm for the Chiefs and expressed her joy in sharing that experience with her, saying, “I love this!”