Latest news with #GainbridgeFieldhouse
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Caitlin Clark 'beyond thankful' for WNBA All-Star weekend, fans in Indianapolis
Caitlin Clark was the focal point of the WNBA All-Star Game, even though she couldn't play. The second-year Indiana Fever star had far and away the most fan votes, served as a team captain and was front-and-center at Gainbridge Fieldhouse cheering on teammates Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. She expressed gratitude and pride over the weekend's festivities on social media. "Incredible weekend in Indy!! Our organization gave everything to make this the best WNBA All-Star Weekend yet — and it delivered in every way. Grateful to call this city home and beyond thankful for the incredible fans who brought the energy and made it special ❤️" Clark missed the 3-point shooting contest and the game because of a groin injury suffered earlier in the week. She has missed roughly half the season due to various injuries. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Caitlin Clark 'beyond thankful' for 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend, fans
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Other stars are privately happy Caitlin Clark will miss the WNBA's All-Star weekend" - Skip Bayless says absence of Clark during this weekend will only prove how huge of a star she is
"Other stars are privately happy Caitlin Clark will miss the WNBA's All-Star weekend" - Skip Bayless says absence of Clark during this weekend will only prove how huge of a star she is originally appeared on Basketball Network. With the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend taking place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, all eyes were naturally on local sensation Caitlin Clark, who was expected to showcase why she's reckoned as the next big cultural icon from the basketball world, courtesy of her fandom. However, the worst happened as the Indiana Fever guard went down with a right groin injury and now will miss all festivities. For Skip Bayless, while the players may feel excited at the prospect of now getting more limelight, this unfortunate absence will only reinforce just how valuable Clark's mere presence truly is to this league and the women's basketball scene. Bayless knows the WNBA All-Star weekend will suffer because of Clark's absence Given that Caitlin has been battling injuries since the beginning of the 2025 campaign, speculations had already risen about how jealousy from her peers might be the source behind the relentless physicality she's faced. Now, with her latest injury ruling her out of this star-studded exhibition throughout the weekend, Bayless believes the WNBA players are going to realize firsthand what harm they have brought upon themselves. Even though stars like Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu are all ready to make this event as memorable as possible, Skip is certain that Caitlin's absence is a void too large to fill, even by these players. Moreover, the veteran sports media analyst went two steps ahead on social media, proclaiming that the WNBA world, which conveniently overlooks or downplays Clark's role in elevating the league globally, is soon going to learn the harsh truth about the real scenario. "No doubt other stars are privately happy Caitlin Clark will miss the WNBA's All-Star weekend so they can get more of the attention they believe they deserve," Bayless wrote. "Instead, plummeting ratings will drive home the fact SHE is by far the biggest reason for the W's exploding popularity," he pointed the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend be a success? There is no denying that her absence leaves a mark, especially with the event being hosted in Indiana, where many local fans were eager to cheer for their hometown star. While this doesn't necessarily mean viewership will drop significantly, signs like the ticket prices being decreased by 48 percent highlight how Clark's influence is undeniable. Furthermore, other numbers also speak for themselves. ABC recently recorded its most-watched WNBA game ever when Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings faced off against Clark and the Indiana Fever, drawing an average of 2.1 million viewers. So, this means when even the most hypes prospects take the stage, it is their battle against Clark that makes fans grab their screens. So, if the WNBA players truly want to prove their worth and shut critics like Skip for downplaying the potential and star power, this All-Star weekend must be a huge success. Because if the ratings and viewership hold strong, there shall and can be no denying that many in the WNBA community have contributed to igniting interest from fans. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see whether, after this weekend, one player will be credited even more for taking the league to another story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WNBA Fans Loving Caitlin Clark's Message For Sabrina Ionescu
WNBA Fans Loving Caitlin Clark's Message For Sabrina Ionescu originally appeared on The Spun. Caitlin Clark wasn't able to play in this year's All-Star game due to a groin injury. It was a crushing blow to every fan who showed up to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Clark this season. Not only has she suffered a groin injury twice in the past month, she has missed time due to a quad strain. Just a few days ago, she received some words of encouragement from fellow All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu. "I've been able to talk to her a lot through this process," Ionescu said. "Honestly, I went through something kind of similar in my career. My first year I didn't play due to injury, and then in my second year I had a few soft-tissue injuries. You look back and it's kind of a blessing in disguise because you're able to just learn and grow and understand it's just part of your journey." Ionescu also gave Clark credit for being the face of the league, telling reporters "she means a lot more to the game than just showing up and playing." If Clark was healthy this past weekend, she would've shared a backcourt with Ionescu. That being said, it's possible we'll see them join forces in the future. On Sunday night, Ionescu shared photos from All-Star weekend in Indy. Her post received this comment from Clark: "looking real natural in that locker room." There's no guarantee Clark and Ionescu will be teammates, but fans are certainly hoping that'll happen. "Future teammates in Indiana," one fan replied. "Splash sisters," another fan said. "Please team up," a third fan wrote. Ionescu has been outstanding for the New York Liberty, earning All-Star honors four times since 2020. It's hard to envision a world where she leaves the Big Apple for Indiana, but Clark might just be an excellent recruiter. Do you want to see Caitlin and Sabrina on the same squad?WNBA Fans Loving Caitlin Clark's Message For Sabrina Ionescu first appeared on The Spun on Jul 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fever's Caitlin Clark's candid confession on missing All-Star Game
The post Fever's Caitlin Clark's candid confession on missing All-Star Game appeared first on ClutchPoints. Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark has already become one of the best players in the WNBA despite only being in her sophomore year. Selected as the starter and captain for this year's All-Star game, Clark impressively made the list despite struggling with a groin injury for much of the campaign. The same injury eventually proved to be her undoing as she sat out of All-Star festivities, despite this year's event being held at the Fever's Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 'Yeah, I mean certainly unfortunate and there's been quite a few injuries over the course of, beginning this season for quite a few people. So, a lot of people in the same boat as myself. Even my team has dealt with some injuries tonight,' Clark said ahead of the game. The Fever superstar joined Satou Sabally in the list of injuries from Team Clark, with A'ja Wilson also doubtful due to a wrist injury. Still, CC not only plans to assist the New York Liberty's Sandy Brondello, who will be coaching Team Clark, but is also looking to enjoy the weekend. 'I mean I am not going to say I've just getting around-the-clock treatment, I've been still trying to enjoy this weekend and having a balance of that at the same time and soaking all of this in and you know, once tomorrow comes around I will completely shift my focus to getting as healthy as possible,' she said. Clark, who has battled injuries throughout her rookie campaign, underwent imaging Wednesday and is listed day-to-day by Fever coach Stephanie White. The groin injury adds to a growing list of ailments, including previous issues with her left quad and groin. She has now missed 10 regular-season games and one Commissioner's Cup final this year. This is uncharacteristic for the guard, who had never missed a college or pro game until this season. Related: Fever's Caitlin Clark reveals 4-point shot fandom Related: Fever's Caitlin Clark's WNBA All-Star Game arrival has fans going bonkers
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WNBA's Cathy Engelbert counters on ‘constructive' CBA talks as players send message before All-Star game
INDIANAPOLIS — As WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert held a press conference in the depths of Gainbridge Fieldhouse ahead of Saturday night's All-Star Game, players used their pregame warmups as a chance to send a message. 'Pay us what you owe us,' the T-shirts worn by each player read. The Women's National Basketball Players' Association and league stakeholders remain at an impasse as negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement become more strained and the likelihood of work stoppage after this season grows. While many players felt Thursday's CBA meeting was a 'wasted opportunity' and said little-to-no progress was achieved, Engelbert said she thought the gathering with 40-plus players and league stakeholders was 'constructive.' 'We had candid dialogue, and this is part of the process,' Engelbert said. 'I fully respect the players who are listening. They're listening to our owners, and we're kind of in the middle of the league trying to make sure we're setting this league up for success for decades. And that's the goal. To have a fair CBA for all.' Both sides want to write out a 'transformational' CBA, but the WNBA and players' union have different viewpoints on what that might look like. It took the league five months to counter the union's initial proposals, and the WNBA's response was not well received among players. Some called it 'disrespectful' and said the two parties are oceans away on important issues, especially in terms of creating a robust revenue sharing model that allows players to benefit as the WNBA's popularity and profitability continues to grow. Union president Nneka Ogwumike said she interpreted the league's initial response to include fixed salary-cap numbers. But Engelbert refuted that, saying it's 'not accurate.' 'We've been talking about different ways to do revenue sharing,' she said. 'You'll see the revenue sharing be a much more lucrative one as we go forward because we're in a better place. 'We want to significantly increase their salary and benefits while balancing with our owners their ability to have a path of profitability as well to continued investment.' The union's stern stance on implementing a fluid revenue sharing system is rooted in the fact that the league has a new 11-year media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion starting in 2026. They also took note that the WNBA's most recent expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia coughed up a whopping $250 million to buy in. Engelbert mentioned that national viewership year-over-year is up 23 percent, attendance is the highest it's been in decades and merchandise sales shattered previous records — all promising stats that show the league's surge in popularity. Players see those numbers and want their fair share. They used the opportunity of the nationally televised All-Star Game to make a statement. Not only did players wear the shirts, but Mystics guard Brittney Sykes also held up a 'Pay The Players' sign when she was presented the All-Star Game's MVP trophy. Breanna Stewart, a member of the WNBPA executive committee, said the demonstration likely would've happened regardless of how Thursday's tempestuous meeting went. 'We wanted to do something united,' Stewart said. 'We have strength in numbers, and we know that we don't always have this opportunity to be together like this. So making a statement where everyone will see it.' The union has said it's preparing for a work stoppage when the current CBA expires Oct. 31. Engelbert said she has 'confidence' a deal can be struck before the Halloween deadline, but also said she's 'not going to put an exact date on it. 'We're in a good place and we're going back and forth,' she said. The current CBA was signed in January 2020. But there's extra urgency to get this deal done by the deadline so teams can prepare for the Toronto and Portland expansion drafts, which are expected to take place in December. Rules for expansion drafts are part of the CBA, so teams don't know what to expect yet. Free agency, which usually starts in late January, and potentially the April draft would also be on hold as long as a deal remains unfinalized. Neither side wants that to be a case. Engelbert remains optimistic that the two sides will be able to agree on a CBA that people will hopefully be raving about at next year's All-Star event. 'I want a lot of the same things the players want. I said that last time, too, and it's not changed,' she said. 'But we also have to have a process where we got back and forth and that's where we're in the process. Again, still really optimistic that we get something done that will be transformational.'
