Caitlin Clark is healthy and excited to return to the WNBA.

Caitlin Clark’s Exciting Return to the WNBA

Caitlin Clark was thrilled to step onto the WNBA court again on Saturday, even if it was just a preseason match.

This marked Clark’s first appearance in the league after a nine-month break due to injuries that cut her sophomore season short, limiting her to just 13 games in 2025.

“I know this isn’t a real game,” Clark remarked before the Fever faced off against the Liberty at Barclays Center. “But that’s how I feel about it.”

In a fitting start, Clark scored the game’s initial points with a smooth floater, quickly following up with a step-back three-pointer.

However, she overall struggled to find her rhythm.

In 17 minutes of play, she managed to put up seven points, hitting only 2 of her 10 shots, alongside three rebounds and four assists.

The Fever’s coach, Stephanie White, noted a significant change in Clark since last year—her joy.

“Her energy is different,” White explained. “She’s moving in a new way.”

This newfound brightness was evident when Clark participated with the U.S. Basketball team in a World Cup qualifying tournament last month. It was her first competitive action since an injury ended her season in July.

White commented on Clark’s eagerness before training camp, saying, “You could tell she was feeling a bit itchy and anxious. The first day was all about, well, [a sigh of relief] just needing to breathe and enjoy the game again.”

White believed that Clark’s stint with the USA Basketball team helped her settle into the Fever’s preseason routines with relative ease.

“Having that competitive experience was great for her,” White noted. “She came into camp ready, finding her rhythm, and now it’s all about fine-tuning.”

Reflecting on her time sidelined, Clark shared that watching her teammates play last season gave her a fresh appreciation for actually being on the court.

“Every time I put on the uniform and tie my shoes, I really don’t take it for granted. Especially after last year when I wasn’t able to play much,” Clark expressed. “So this game—I’m not nervous. I’m just excited. It feels like just running around again.”