Injured but Unstoppable: Caitlin Clark Owns All-Star Weekend from the Sidelines

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend was packed with energy, elite talent, and a rising movement within the league—but one name stood out without logging a single minute on the court: Caitlin Clark.

Despite re-aggravating a groin injury days earlier during a hard-fought win against the Connecticut Sun, the Indiana Fever star made her presence felt throughout the weekend in Indianapolis, a city she now proudly calls home. Although fans didn’t get to see her shoot from deep or dazzle in transition, they got something even more powerful: leadership, gratitude, and defiant spirit.

Clark took to social media after the event wrapped to thank Indianapolis for hosting the weekend and for showing up in full force. “Grateful to call this city home and beyond thankful for the incredible fans who brought the energy and made it special,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The event might not have gone as originally planned for Clark, who was forced to sit out both Friday’s three-point shootout and Saturday’s All-Star Game. But rather than retreat from the spotlight, she embraced a new role—one that proved just as important.

From the moment the cameras rolled on Friday, Clark was front and center—cheering, coaching, and connecting. She served as head coach for “Team Clark,” displaying the same intensity and poise she’s known for on the hardwood. Though her squad ultimately fell to “Team Collier” in a high-scoring 151–131 contest, Clark’s impact never wavered.

Beyond the bright lights of the All-Star festivities, the weekend also served as a critical turning point in the ongoing fight between players and league leadership. After a disappointing collective bargaining session on Thursday, WNBA athletes used the national spotlight to make their voices heard. Warming up for Saturday’s game in unified message-bearing shirts, the players sent a clear signal to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and ownership: they’re done waiting.

Pay, travel conditions, and investment in the future of the league were all hot topics among players throughout the weekend. With the current CBA set to expire in October, both sides are now facing a tight deadline—and growing public pressure.

Clark didn’t shy away from that narrative either. While she didn’t make public comments on the negotiations during the event, her alignment with the rest of the players—both visually and vocally—spoke volumes. Her influence extends far beyond her stats. In fact, her mere presence as one of the most marketable and talked-about athletes in the game gives the movement added weight.

Her ability to connect with fans, command attention, and elevate the league even from the bench is exactly what makes her such a transformative figure. Even sidelined, she’s still writing headlines—and still shaping the future of women’s basketball.

As regular season action resumes, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark’s recovery timeline. But perhaps more urgently, all ears will be tuned to the growing drumbeat of player demands for a better deal.

One thing’s for certain—Clark didn’t need to play to win All-Star Weekend. She already did.