Will Caitlin Clark Participate in Tonight’s WNBA Skills Challenge?
Joe Cervenka
Host · Writer
As WNBA All-Star Weekend tips off in Indianapolis, all eyes are on one question: Will Caitlin Clark suit up for the skills competitions tonight? Let’s look at Clark’s latest injury status and what’s ahead for the WNBA’s showcase weekend.
Is Caitlin Clark Participating in the WNBA Skills Challenge?
Clark, who has quickly become the face of the WNBA in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, will not compete in either the Skills Challenge or the Three-Point Contest tonight. After aggravating a right groin injury earlier this week in a win over the Connecticut Sun, Clark and the Fever’s medical staff have opted to prioritize her recovery ahead of the second half of the regular season.
Why Isn’t Clark Participating?
Clark’s absence from tonight’s competitions stems from a right groin strain that has nagged her throughout the season. She’s already missed multiple games due to both right and left leg issues, and with Indiana fighting for a playoff spot, her long-term availability takes precedence over All-Star Weekend festivities.
The 23-year-old star was also named a captain for the All-Star Game and is still expected to play a visible off-court role. But Clark’s decision to skip the skills events underscores a commitment to team goals — especially with the Fever returning to action Tuesday in New York against the Liberty.
2025 WNBA Skills Challenge Participants
| Player | Team | Position | Height | Birthdate | College | Current Yr. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natasha Cloud | New York Liberty | Guard | 5-10 | 2/2/92 | St. Joseph’s | 10 |
| Skylar Diggins | Seattle Storm | Guard | 5-9 | 8/2/90 | Notre Dame | 11 |
| Allisha Gray | Atlanta Dream | Guard | 6-0 | 1/12/95 | South Carolina | 9 |
| Erica Wheeler | Seattle Storm | Guard | 5-7 | 5/2/91 | Rutgers | 10 |
| Courtney Williams | Minnesota Lynx | Guard | 5-8 | 5/11/94 | South Florida | 10 |
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Even without Clark, the 2025 Kia WNBA Skills Challenge features a talented group of veteran guards showcasing their speed, precision, and court awareness. Representing five different teams, Natasha Cloud, Skylar Diggins, Allisha Gray, Erica Wheeler, and Courtney Williams bring over 50 combined seasons of professional experience to the event. Each participant is known for their dynamic playmaking and leadership, making this year’s skills competition a must-watch showdown of elite backcourt talent.
WNBA Skills Challenge Betting Odds
| Player | Odds to Win |
|---|---|
| Allisha Gray | +250 |
| Skylar Diggins | +310 |
| Natasha Cloud | +310 |
| Courtney Williams | +340 |
| Erica Wheeler | +600 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel. Subject to change.
WNBA All-Star Weekend Schedule
| EVENT | DATE | TIME | CHANNEL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills Challenge | July 18 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Three-Point Contest | July 18 | Following Skills Challenge | ESPN |
| WNBA All-Star Game | July 19 | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN |
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Originally slated to be one of the marquee attractions of the All-Star festivities, Clark will instead take on a different role. Though she won’t be competing on the court, she will still be present throughout the weekend, participating in media events and assisting Team Clark’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, during Saturday night’s All-Star Game.
WNBA All-Star Game Rosters
Team Clark Roster
| Player | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark (G) | Indiana Fever | Captain, injured, will not play |
| Aliyah Boston (F) | Indiana Fever | |
| Sabrina Ionescu (G) | New York Liberty | |
| A’ja Wilson (F) | Las Vegas Aces | |
| Satou Sabally (F) | Phoenix Mercury | Injured, will not play |
| Kelsey Mitchell (G) | Indiana Fever | |
| Gabby Williams (F) | Seattle Storm | |
| Sonia Citron (G) | Washington Mystics | |
| Kiki Iriafen (F) | Washington Mystics | |
| Jackie Young (G) | Las Vegas Aces | |
| Kayla Thornton (F) | Golden State Valkyries | |
| Brittney Sykes (G) | Washington Mystics | Injury replacement |
| Brionna Jones (F) | Atlanta Dream | Injury replacement |
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Team Collier Roster
| Player | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Napheesa Collier (F) | Minnesota Lynx | Captain |
| Breanna Stewart (F) | New York Liberty | |
| Allisha Gray (G) | Atlanta Dream | |
| Nneka Ogwumike (F) | Seattle Storm | |
| Paige Bueckers (G) | Dallas Wings | |
| Courtney Williams (G) | Minnesota Lynx | |
| Skylar Diggins (G) | Seattle Storm | |
| Angel Reese (F) | Chicago Sky | |
| Alyssa Thomas (F) | Phoenix Mercury | |
| Kelsey Plum (G) | Los Angeles Sparks | |
| Rhyne Howard (G) | Atlanta Dream | Injured, will not play |
| Kayla McBride (G) | Minnesota Lynx | Injury replacement |
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A Look Ahead to Saturday
Clark is expected to be in uniform on the sidelines during the All-Star Game, helping coach Team Clark against Team Collier. While it’s a disappointment for many fans that she won’t be shooting threes or dishing dimes in the skills contests, her presence — even from the bench — will still generate buzz throughout Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
WNBA All-Star Game Betting Odds
Spread: Team Collier -3.5 | Moneyline: Team Collier -168 | Team Clark +142 | Total: 257
Star Power Still on Display
Even without Clark participating in tonight’s contests, the WNBA’s elite talent pool will be on full display. Whether it’s Sabrina Ionescu firing from deep or A’ja Wilson flashing her versatility, there will be no shortage of highlights to entertain basketball fans.
