Caitlin Clark draws pre-game crowd, signs autographs around arena despite Angel Reese, Indiana star sitting out

In what many fans likely anticipated as another epic matchup between WNBA rivals Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, both were absent for Sunday afternoon’s Fever-Sky game in Chicago.

But despite missing her 13th game of the season Sunday while nursing a nagging groin injury suffered July 15, Clark remained the sport’s biggest attraction as hundreds of WNBA fans lined the Wintrust Arena stands while the former Iowa superstar signed autographs for more than 20 minutes. According to the Big Ten Network’s Kylen Mills, Clark even managed to outwit overzealous stadium security to make sure she didn’t miss anybody. Reese, meanwhile, sat out her second straight Sky game with a back injury.

Despite being out with injury, Caitlin Clark spent 20 mins signing autographs ahead of the @chicagosky vs @IndianaFever, she made her way around 2/3rd of the arena, at one point security staff tried to shuffle her into the tunnel but she kept going ❤️ #wnba #indianafever #skytown pic.twitter.com/LRRjwllW96

— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) July 27, 2025

Clark’s groin injury is her fourth separate muscle injury this season, and forced the WNBA’s most recognizable superstar to pull out of last weekend’s All-Star Game and 3-point shooting contest.

Despite her absence, Clark’s Fever won its third-straight against Reese’s Sky, 93-78, thanks to 35 points from Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell.

Indiana Fever offer grim outlook on Caitlin Clark’s return

Ahead of Sunday’s game in Chicago, the Indiana Fever released a statement on Clark’s stafus, offering a grim outlook and stating there’s “no timetable available” for Clark to return to the lineup .

“Following a July 15 injury to her right groin, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark underwent further medical evaluations earlier this week. The team can confirm that no additional injuries or damage were discovered through the evaluations,” the press release read. “Clark will continue working with the Fever medical team on her recovery and rehabilitation, with the priority on her long-term health and well-being.

“There is no timetable available for Clark’s return, and no additional details will be provided at this time. Any further updates will be shared as they become available.”

Alas, Clark suffered the groin injury during the final minute of the Fever’s 85-77 victory over the Connecticut Sun. After the injury, Clark banged her head against the stanchion and got emotional as she went to the bench.

Before this season, Clark never missed a game in her college or WNBA career but has already missed multiple games due to multiple injuries. So far this year, Clark is averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and five rebounds per contest, but hasn’t played a game in nearly two weeks.

— On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this report.