Why Caitlin Clark's latest injury is terrible timing for the WNBA

Last August, the WNBA announced that Indianapolis — home of the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark — would host the league’s All-Star weekend this season for the first time

Last August, the WNBA announced that Indianapolis — home of the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark — would host the league’s All-Star weekend this season for the first time.

Clark’s home city was a logical choice for this week's star-studded festivities. During her rookie season last year, Clark had an incredible impact on the WNBA’s business, single-handedly accounting for massive increases in merchandise sales, viewership and attendance.

On Thursday, however, the WNBA’s best-laid plans for a Clark-led All-Star weekend officially went awry, as Clark announced she would have to sit out because of a left groin injury.

“I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-Point Contest or the All-Star Game,” Clark said in a statement. “I have to rest my body. I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy [Brondello] coach our team to a win.”

The injury is the third that has caused Clark to miss time during her sophomore season. She played in only 13 of the Fever’s 23 games before the All-Star break because of quad and groin injuries.