Caitlin Clark officially tipped off her 2026 WNBA campaign on Saturday, but her day didn't end at the final buzzer. Hours after her season debut with the Indiana Fever, Clark took the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium for a viral walkout with country music star Morgan Wallen.
As part of Wallen’s "Still the Problem" tour, Clark joined the singer for his signature entrance, walking through the stadium tunnel in front of a sold-out crowd. Wallen shared the moment with his 7.4 million Instagram followers, captioning the video "22" in a nod to Clark’s jersey number.
The crossover continues a trend for Wallen, who has featured sports figures like Nick Saban and Patrick Mahomes during recent tour stops.
The appearance sparked a swift reaction on social media with some WNBA fans expressed criticism, citing Wallen’s past controversies.
The Fever star has yet to comment on the backlash but Clark did silence any lingering doubts about her health following an injury-shortened 2025 season. In a narrow 107-104 loss to Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings, Clark dropped 20 points, seven assists, and five rebounds across 31 minutes of action.
With her 20-point performance, Clark surpassed 1,000 career points in just her 54th professional game. The feat ties her with Fever legend Tamika Catchings as the sixth-fastest player in WNBA history to reach the milestone.
"I feel good," Clark said postgame, addressing two brief exits for back adjustments. "Started off a little slow, I think just the anxiety of the first game, trying to work through that. But overall, I felt fast out there."
Fever vs. Sparks: Clark Travels to LA for Wednesday Night Clash
Caitlin Clark and the Fever (0-1) face the LASparks on Wednesday at 10 PM ET, live on USA Network.
The last four No. 1 draft picks square off on Saturday, as the Fever’s Aliyah Boston (2023) and Caitlin Clark (2024) kickstart the 2026 WNBA season against the Wings’ Paige Bueckers (2025) and Azzi Fudd (2026).
“Me and Caitlin have been competing against each other for a long time,” said Bueckers. “She’s a generational player. Every time we take the floor and get to compete against each other, it’s always a great time.”
“You have to be able to win,” Clark told Yahoo Sports. “That's my main focus, winning and winning a championship. Everything else will come along with that.”
The young squads are sure to remain in the spotlight, as Dallas strives to prove itself as a postseason contender while Indiana looks to extend its 2025 playoff run.
“I’m so thankful that this league is where we are right now,” said Fever coach Stephanie White. “I think the next step is to position ourselves to get to the finals.”
“All eyes will be on the Wings and the Fever this weekend,” said Dallas boss Jose Fernandez. “It’s an exciting time for the league. It’s an exciting time to kick off the WNBA season.”
Where to Watch Indiana vs. Dallas in WNBA Opening Weekend
Dallas takes on Indiana on Saturday at 1 PM ET, live on ABC.
Caitlin Clark had a brief injury scare during the Indiana Fever's preseason loss to the Dallas Wings, but early signs suggest the knock wasn't serious.
Clark exited Thursday's game in the third quarter after a collision with Dallas forward Alanna Smith, leaving the floor after contact on a 3-point attempt. The play was later upgraded to a Flagrant 1 following a review.
The moment draws concern given Clark's recent injury history, but she quickly downplayed it in postgame interviews.
"I feel good. I just landed on my kneecap really hard," Clark said.
The contact came during a physical stretch, with Clark subsequently limping toward the bench before being subbed out.
"I know there's a committee of people that really wanted them to start calling things, and I thought they did a great job of that," Clark said of the officiating.
"It's preseason, so you're probably going to see more fouls called. I expect that number to drop. But I think overall, it's going to improve the product."
Fever coach Stephanie White says the decision to take Clark out was a precautionary one.
"We had planned for her to come out about that time anyway," White said. "The plan was for her to start the third quarter and then get her out quickly."
White added that moments like that can be part of the process for a player returning from injury.
"Sometimes when you've come back from injury, depending on what the injury is, you gotta feel that a little bit first," she said. "You gotta be like, 'OK, yep, I can shake that one off."
Before exiting, Clark finished with 21 points and four assists in 16 minutes. She shot 4-of-6 from the field and 11-of-13 from the free-throw line in Indiana's 95-80 loss to Dallas.
Clark is coming off a 2025 season impacted by injuries, making any early health issues of great concern as the Fever prepare for the 2026 WNBA season.
The Wings took flight last night, as former UConn teammates and back-to-back No. 1 draft picks Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd lifted the Dallas Wings over the Indiana Fever to tip off 2026 WNBA preseason action.
Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever opened with a superstar duel, as Bueckers dropped 20 points in 20 minutes to counter Caitlin Clark’s 21 — before the Fever guard exited after taking a hard fall off a third-quarter closeout foul.
“I feel good. I just landed on my kneecap really hard,” Clark said after the game, quieting concerns after missing most of last season with injury.
The Wings showcased preseason confidence, seamlessly integrating offseason additions Alanna Smith and Odyssey Sims into the starting five.
“We tried to keep it very vanilla in what we did today, only running three or four actions,” first-year Wings head coach Jose Fernandez said. “That’ll be different next week.”
“This team likes to share the ball, and if we can play fast, get rim runs and wing sprints, we can be very good,” he added. “Then it’s about half-court efficiency, getting into the paint, and making the right reads.”
Where to Watch Dallas Wings in 2026 WNBA Preseason Slate
The Wings have one more dress rehearsal before tipoff, taking on the Aces on Sunday at 7 PM ET, live on ION.
The Indiana Fever hosts the Dallas Wings Thursday at 7 PM ET, as No. 1 draft pick Azzi Fudd travels to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to make her WNBA preseason debut against fellow rookie Raven Johnson.
Fans wondering where to watch Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever can tune in on ION or stream for free via WNBA League Pass. Local radio coverage airs on 93.1 WIBC in Indianapolis.
Thursday's matchup serves as a preview of the league's May 9th regular-season opener. That's when the same two teams meet again in Indianapolis to tip off the 2026 WNBA season.
The Fever is coming off Saturday's 109-91 victory over the New York Liberty. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 18 points while Caitlin Clark racked up 7 points, four assists, and three rebounds in 17 minutes. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough additionally contriubted 18 points off the bench.
Indiana faces injury concerns heading into Thursday, after All-Star center Aliyah Boston (lower leg), wing Lexie Hull (hamstring), and guard Ty Harris (knee) all missed Saturday's contest. Head coach Stephanie White remained uncertain about their availability against Dallas, though confirmed center Damiris Dantas should be available after resolving visa issues.
The Wings open their preseason under new head coach Jose Fernandez, who arrives in Dallas after spending 25 seasons helming South Florida. Dallas rookie Azzi Fudd will reunite with former UConn teammate and 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers as she makes her professional debut.
The Wings roster features three former Fever players in Odyssey Sims, Grace Berger, and Lindsay Allen. Indiana went 3-1 against Dallas during the 2025 regular season.
Sophie Cunningham says the WNBA's new CBA does not change her plans with Project B, calling her commitment to the new offseason league a "no-brainer."
Cunningham signed a one-year, $665,000 deal with Indiana this month, subsequently benefiting from one of the most significant CBAs in league history. The agreement raises the salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million, with average salaries projected to top $600,000 in 2026.
Still, Cunningham said the financial opportunity with Project B remains too good to pass up.
Speaking with Front Office Sports ahead of the Fever’s April 25th preseason game against the New York Liberty, Cunningham explained why she intended to stick with the commitment she made to Project B last November.
"When they’re offering that type of money, plus the signing bonus, plus having equity in the company, it’s a no-brainer," Cunningham said.
The 5-on-5 venture is reportedly offering players seven-figure paydays starting at $2 million. That's in addition to equity.
"I have financially smart people around me. And they’re like, 'You got to do it. Your body’s got to suck it up,'" Cunningham continued.
"When companies pour into us, they really see our value. That’s not just on the basketball court, that’s just in life as a businesswoman."
But even with the WNBA's expected 600% salary increase, Cunningham cited the international venture's broader impact.
Front Office Sports reported that Cunningham's Project B deal is worth around $2 million annually, in addition to her equity. That figure exceeds the new WNBA supermax of $1.4 million.
For Cunningham, that made staying committed an easy decision.
However, her Project B plans won't affect her plans with the Fever. The 29-year-old is entering her eighth WNBA season, spending her first six years with Phoenix before joining Indiana in 2025.
Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists last season before an MCL injury ended her year early.
WNBA preseason action tips off tomorrow, as reconfigured rosters hit the court for a sneak preview of 2026 — just two weeks before opening day.
Fever superstar Caitlin Clark headlines Saturday's WNBA preseason slate, as the guard prepares for her first matchup in more than nine months against the Liberty on Saturday.
Clark missed the second half of 2025 with an aggravated groin strain, sitting out injury-plagued Indiana’s unexpected playoff push.
The Fever doubled down on their core this offseason, re-signing veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell and young center Aliyah Boston, with Clark set for a payday upgrade under the new CBA next year.
Clark picked up MVP honors at Team USA’s FIBA World Cup Qualifying run last month, going on to report to WNBA training camp “100% healthy” as Indiana shifts its gameplan to avoid risking further injury.
“It is exhausting, bringing the ball up 94 feet versus pressure every single time,” Clark said of her new off-ball approach. “So, we certainly need to find somebody that can handle the ball a little bit and give me a little bit of a break.”
How to Watch Caitlin Clark Tip Off the 2026 WNBA Preseason
Tune in: Indiana visits New York tomorrow at 3 PM ET, free on WNBA League Pass.
The WNBA is taking center stage, with a record 216 games broadcast nationally in 2026, including the Indiana Fever’s complete 44-game regular-season lineup — the most in league history.
The Fever is the first and only WNBA team with a full nationally broadcast schedule, as fans await superstar Caitlin Clark’s return from injury and a potential playoff push in Indianapolis.
The Dallas Wings rank second with 36 national games, after drafting Paige Bueckers (2025) and Azzi Fudd (2026) with back-to-back No. 1 picks. The 2024 champion New York Liberty will field 35 national games, while the 2025 champion Las Vegas Aces will field 33.
As part of the league’s blockbuster media deal, NBC will broadcast WNBA games for the first time in nearly 25 years. The network joins ESPN/ABC, CBS Sports/Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, USA, ION, and NBA TV.
“The return of the WNBA to NBC Sports for the first time since 2002 is a milestone moment — not only for our platforms, but for the league and its fans,” NBC Sports president Rick Cordella said.
“The WNBA’s unprecedented lineup of linear and streaming partners will shine a light on must-see matchups and the remarkable skills the WNBA’s stars provide each time they step on the court,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Schedule's National Broadcasts
The WNBA’s opening day triple header tips off on May 8th, live on ION.
Sophie Cunningham moved quickly to clarify comments about her Indiana Fever contract, taking to social media after her frustrations with the deal went viral on Monday.
The guard signed a one-year, $665,000 deal with Indiana last week. The agreement represents a significant boost over last season's $100,000 salary thanks to the new WNBA CBA.
Cunningham expressed frustration with the deal during an April 20th episode of her Show Me Something podcast. When her co-host West Wilson asked if the contract met her expectations, she quickly responded "Nope."
"It's tough because I came off an injury, and I haven't been in front of any teams," Cunningham said on the podcast. "I'm not even gonna lie to you, it's a little kind of frustrating."
The comments sparked immediate debate across social media. Some fans criticized the Fever front office, while others questioned why Cunningham spoke publicly about her contract dissatisfaction.
Cunningham took to X on Monday, shutting down speculation about the contract situation.
I’m gonna shut this down right now. I’m not mad about the money…. I just wanted more years because I love it here. I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me. That’s it. That’s the truth. I think we have something very special here in Indiana!! https://t.co/xq7HZ2ZDbF
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) April 21, 2026
"I'm gonna shut this down right now," she wrote. "I'm not mad about the money. I just wanted more years because I love it here. I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me."
The seven-year WNBA veteran spent her first six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before joining Indiana ahead of the 2025 season. She averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists last year before an MCL injury sidelined her in August.
A single-year Sophie Cunningham contract gives the Fever salary cap flexibility ahead of Caitlin Clark's expected EPIC Provision extension. Aliyah Boston recently signed the league's first-ever EPIC Provision contract, after the latest WNBA CBA introduced the mechanism.
WNBA training camp tipped off this weekend, after a WNBA free agency period saw big names go unsigned as the 15-team league begins to hone rosters.
High-profile vets Natasha Cloud and Tina Charles are available unrestricted free agents. However, signings are expected to continue through the next two weeks.
”I’ve given my heart to every team and community I’ve been a part of, never fully knowing if the impact I hoped for was truly felt,” Cloud posted to Threads. ”In this moment, though, receiving so much love, support, an advocacy means everything.”
“I’m okay. Just taking things in,” she added. ”Even if they weren’t what I expected, and trusting I’ll be alright.”
Cloud is coming off a productive 2025 with the New York Liberty. She averaged 10.1 points and 5.1 assists before entering free agency. Charles had a historic run with the Connecticut Sun last year. She averaged16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in her 14th year in the WNBA.
Fever Ups Aliyah Boston Deal Amid WNBA Free Agency Moves
Cap space under the new CBA could play a factor, as some teams look to double down on already-rostered talent.
Indiana made waves over the weekend by re-upping center Aliyah Boston on a four-year $6.3 million extension. The Fever tapped into the EPIC Provision, a rule that allows teams to fast-track All-WNBA rookie contracts to max deals.
“Aliyah has just scratched the surface in terms of the player she can become,” said Fever COO and GM Amber Cox. “
There is not a better person to go down in history as the first recipient of this type of groundbreaking agreement.”