Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are preparing for the start of the 2026 WNBA regular season. Clark spent the majority of last year sidelined with a groin injury, appearing in only 13 games. Despite the injury, head coach Stephanie White, now in her second stint with the Fever, led Indiana to its first playoff series victory since 2015.
White and Clark teamed up this spring during the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico. Clark led Team USA to a 5-0 record, averaging 11.6 points and a tournament-high 6.4 assists per game. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star was named the TISSOT MVP.
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Despite finishing in first place in Group A of the qualifying tournament, Team USA had already qualified for September’s World Cup in Berlin by winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. On Thursday, USA Basketball announced that White would once again join her country for the World Cup in Berlin.
Following Team USA’s success during the qualifying tournament, USA Basketball decided to continue with Duke Blue Devils coach Kara Lawson as head coach, while Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase and Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts will once again join White as assistant coaches.
“Coach reppin’ in the World Cup 🏀,” the Indiana Fever wrote on Instagram. “Congrats to head coach Stephanie White on being selected as an assistant coach for @usabasketball! 🇺🇸”
Clark reacted to Team USA’s announcement by showing her support for White and sharing the Fever’s post on her Instagram Story.
Indiana will open the 2026 WNBA season against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
