Caitlin Clark Shares Desire to Be Indiana Fever Lifer

Born and raised in West Des Moine Iowa, Clark is a midwesterner through and through, so being drafted to an Indiana franchise couldn't have worked out better for her.

“People might think I’m crazy for wanting to stay in the Midwest, but thats just who I am,” Clark told the media in her first press conference after being drafted to the Fever last season. “That’s what my roots are. I love the people here.”

It’s not the bright lights or major markets she craves. It’s the connection and the community. The chance to make an impact in a place that traditionally lives and breathes basketball.

“We haven’t hosted a Finals game in 25 years and I’ve never seen this type of excitement,” Clark continued. “People are lining up three hours before the game. I literally just got the chills thinking about it.”

In a time of increasing movement––new expansion teams plucking players from every teams roster and the looming free agency bonanza of 2026, where all but two players and those on rookie scale contracts will currently be available as free agents––Clark’s commitment to a small-market franchise showcases that loyalty and desire to create an impact locally matter.

Though Indiana has not appeared in a WNBA finals since 2015, the franchise clearly recognizes the generational talent they have in their homegrown star, and have leaned heavily into the energy surrounding Clark’s arrival, making big offseason moves to build a supporting cast to boost their chances of once again contend for a championship. 

Through it all, Clark remains grounded, and appears focused on creating something powerful right where she is.