After a challenging 2025 WNBA season limited by injuries, Caitlin Clark is healthy and preparing to debut for Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Indiana Fever guard, sidelined for much of the season, is seizing the opportunity to showcase her talent on the international stage while Team USA tests its roster ahead of the World Cup in Berlin this September.
Clark’s 2025 Season and Upcoming National Team Opportunity
The 2025 WNBA campaign was difficult for Clark, as injuries restricted her to only 13 games, causing her to miss crucial moments like the Commissioner’s Cup championship and the All-Star Weekend. Despite limited time on the court, she averaged solid stats with 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, suggesting her impact could have been much greater if healthy.
Now fully recovered, Clark joins Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers for the U.S. senior national team’s qualifiers tournament. Although Team USA has already secured a spot in the World Cup by winning the AmeriCup earlier this year, these upcoming five games serve as a valuable lineup experiment under new head coach Kara Lawson.
Clark’s Enthusiasm for Puerto Rico and an Unexpected Celebrity Wish
Arriving in Puerto Rico, Clark expressed excitement about the location but also shared a surprising desire involving one of the island’s biggest stars. Addressing reporters, she said,
“I’m super excited. It’s my first time in Puerto Rico. It’s truly beautiful,”
before adding,
“I wish Bad Bunny was at the game. I wish he were performing. I checked to see if he was going to be singing while we’re here, but he’s not. Maybe they should bring him.”
Bad Bunny recently wrapped up the first leg of his world tour with a special invite-only show in Tokyo, marking his debut performance in Asia. He plans to resume touring in May 2026 with stadium concerts in Spain and Portugal, highlighting his ongoing global reach.
Upcoming Games and Tensions Surrounding Clark’s WNBA Future
Clark and Team USA will open the qualifier tournament against Senegal on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET, followed by a game versus Puerto Rico on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, both broadcast on TruTV. Meanwhile, Clark’s return to the Indiana Fever remains uncertain due to ongoing labor negotiations between the WNBA and the players’ union. The missed March 10 deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement has left Clark and more than 100 free agents without contracts less than two months ahead of the May 8 season start.
Clark has been actively involved in these stalled discussions, emphasizing the union’s readiness to use all available strategies to secure a fair agreement. This unresolved situation casts doubt on her immediate return to the Fever’s lineup while she focuses on gaining experience with Team USA.
Indiana Fever’s Support as Clark Transitions to Team USA
The Indiana Fever organization continues to back Caitlin Clark as she shifts to the national team, where she will don a different jersey number after relinquishing her familiar #22. This transition represents a significant step in Clark’s career, bridging her recovery period and the chance to compete against top international opponents ahead of major upcoming tournaments.
Caitlin Clark’s involvement in the FIBA qualifiers marks a pivotal moment after her injury struggles, offering a fresh start on a global stage. How she performs in Puerto Rico could influence both her standing within Team USA and her prospects once the WNBA resolved its labor disputes, making this period critical for the young star’s career trajectory.
Caitlin loves Bad Bunny
“I’m super excited. It’s my first time in Puerto Rico. It’s truly beautiful. I wish Bad Bunny was at the game. I wish he were performing. I checked to see if he was going to be singing while we’re here, but he’s not. Maybe they should bring him.” pic.twitter.com/feTxvk0fSx
— correlation (@nosyone4) March 10, 2026
