A recent photo showing claw marks on Caitlin Clark’s arms has drawn attention to the physical play in the WNBA this season. The marks appeared after the Indiana Fever’s win over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, United States, on August 26, 2026.

Clark, a standout player for Indiana, scored 37 points and provided 10 assists in the game, shooting 8 of 12 from beyond the arc and adding three rebounds. Despite her dominant performance, some commentators argue the league does not fully recognize her as the MVP.

OutKick host Dan Dakich criticized the WNBA and media for mishandling Clark’s rising popularity, attributing the limited support to "petty jealousies, racism, and sexism." He suggested these factors hinder both Clark’s career and the growth potential of the sport.

The game also featured moments of contention, including Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington arguing with a referee over Clark’s play. Sophie Cunningham, known for defending Clark in previous incidents, was noted as Clark’s "enforcer" during past physical confrontations.

This incident and Clark’s visible injuries add fuel to ongoing debates about the level of physicality and aggression in the WNBA.

Sources