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Indiana Fever Star Caitlin Clark Makes Retirement Admission on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 10:14 PM ET

Caitlin Clark watched on as the Indiana Fever went on a surprising run in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, advancing to the semifinals after taking down the Atlanta Dream in the opening round. However, without their superstar, the Fever fell just short of the Finals, losing to the Las Vegas Aces in overtime of Game 5.

During her second WNBA season, Clark earned her second All-Star selection, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. However, the former Iowa Hawkeyes point guard appeared in just 13 games in 2025, sidelined for much of the season by multiple injuries, including two separate groin issues and an ankle sprain.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on during a WNBA gameErica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

As Clark prepares for her third WNBA season, the guard has stayed busy during the offseason while continuing her recovery. She participated in The Annika driven by Gainbridge pro-am event once again, and returned to the court at USA Basketball training camp. Clark has also remained active on social media, sharing updates throughout the offseason.

And on Tuesday, Clark was scrolling through her timeline when she came across an interesting video about Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. In a recent episode of the NBA star’s podcast, "Mind the Game," James revealed that during his 14-game absence to begin the 2025-26 NBA season, he gave up wine and cookies as part of his recovery.

"So, I needed to give up something," LeBron said. "I gotta sacrafice something, and actually did two things that I love. And that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I completely took it out... For the whole month of November, I'm gonna do no desserts and no wine, no liquor, no nothing for the whole month of November. And yeah, I did that."

Clark quickly took note of LeBron's comment, admitting that she would rather retire than give up her wine and cookies.

"I’d rather retire than do this," Clark wrote in the comments section. "This is why he’s him."