Story perspectives

Fever Open Season; Clark Healthy, Limited; Johnson Debuts

4/23/2026

Summary

Clark Returns

The Indiana Fever will open the 2026 season on May 9 against Dallas Wings.
The Fever re-signed Mitchell, Cunningham and Hull, added Billings, Harris, Hines-Allen and drafted Raven Johnson No. 10.
Caitlin Clark, healthy after a groin injury, says hauling the ball 94 feet each possession exhausts her.
Coach Stephanie White will limit Clark’s reps, assign off-ball duties, and have her debut with Johnson on April 25 versus the New York Liberty.

Summary

Clark Exhausted

Indiana Fever GM said rookie guard Raven Johnson fits well alongside Clark and could relieve ball-handling pressure.
Clark said the 94-foot ball-handling grind exhausts her and highlighted her Rookie of the Year award, All-WNBA First Team selection and league-leading assist total.
The Fever rank among the league’s highest-scoring teams in fast-break and transition points, while fans stay split on Clark’s claim.

Summary

Clark Debuts

The Indiana Fever played an exhibition against the Golden State Valkyries at San Francisco’s Chase Center on June 19, 2025, marking the team’s first appearance there.
During the Fever’s media-day events, star guard Caitlin Clark addressed reporters before the game.
Coach Stephanie White said the contest will test the squad’s transition strategy after its injury-limited semifinal run.
The game is billed as a marquee inter-conference event to grow the WNBA’s West Coast presence.

History

Historical Context

Established on April 24, 1996, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) began play in 1997 with eight teams, including the New York Liberty and Houston Comets. The league, backed by the NBA, has expanded to 15 teams and is set to grow to 18 by 2030. The Indiana Fever's focus on developing players like Caitlin Clark highlights the league's ongoing evolution and commitment to nurturing female athletic talent.

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Clark Returns

The Indiana Fever will open the 2026 season on May 9 against Dallas Wings.
The Fever re-signed Mitchell, Cunningham and Hull, added Billings, Harris, Hines-Allen and drafted Raven Johnson No. 10.
Caitlin Clark, healthy after a groin injury, says hauling the ball 94 feet each possession exhausts her.
Coach Stephanie White will limit Clark’s reps, assign off-ball duties, and have her debut with Johnson on April 25 versus the New York Liberty.

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