Caitlin Clark Injured During WNBA Game

Caitlin Clark sustained an injury to her throat during a WNBA match on Wednesday, leading to a tight 111-109 defeat for the Fever against the Mercury.

As Clark navigated towards the basket, she slipped, and in the chaotic scramble for the ball, Alyssa Thomas inadvertently struck her in the throat and then stepped over her. Surprisingly, no foul was called on the play, which drew a strong reaction from WNBA officials and Fever coaches.

Coaches expressed outrage at the no-call, with one stating, “It was horrible. The fact that it was a no-call… I had to call. We came here knowing what happened two nights ago, and it’s still happening? This is absolutely unacceptable.”

This recent game was part of a heated series that had already seen six technical fouls in the previous match, including Clark’s fifth of the season, along with one ejection.

Following a brief confrontation, Clark received a technical foul for clapping in the direction of her former teammate, DeWanna Bonner. These incidents have fueled speculation that Clark is facing inequitable treatment in the league.

Former WNBA player Stacey Dales reflected, saying, “This is it. Tonight was a pivotal moment in Caitlin Clark’s season and career. It’s time for the league to take notes and adjust. It affects franchises.”

Unfortunately, Clark had to leave the game due to a back injury sustained from a foul while attempting a three-pointer. Her rising stardom has significantly boosted the WNBA’s visibility.

Since her draft in 2024, the league witnessed its most-viewed regular season in 24 years, experiencing the highest attendance in 22 years and setting records for both digital consumption and merchandise sales.

Prior to her entry, the WNBA hadn’t seen viewership in the millions since 2008.

In her match against Tempo on June 16, Clark drew an impressive average of 1 million viewers throughout the broadcast.

One user on X voiced frustration over the situation, stating, “This is completely incomprehensible. The league was a joke. Clark brought a sizable audience and significant revenue to the league, but all they’re doing is trying to hurt her, which is killing the golden goose. This league feels like a prison ball.”