• Caitlin Clark is listed as questionable for the Indiana Fever's first preseason game due to a leg injury, sparking concern among fans.
• Four WNBA preseason games will be nationally televised for the first time, featuring stars like Clark, A'ja Wilson, and Paige Bueckers.
• The IGHSAU is addressing declining girls' basketball participation in Iowa high schools through surveys and a task force.

Caitlin Clark's status for the Indiana Fever's preseason games is uncertain due to a leg injury, raising concerns among fans eager to see her play. Simultaneously, the 2025 WNBA preseason is set to begin, with unprecedented national TV coverage, including games featuring Clark, Paige Bueckers, and A'ja Wilson. Iowa is addressing declining participation in girls' basketball at the high school level. The IGHSAU (Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union) is proactively taking measures, including conducting surveys and forming a task force, to analyze the root causes and propose solutions to reverse this trend.

• What: Caitlin Clark's injury status for the Indiana Fever's preseason games, the broadcast schedule for the 2025 WNBA preseason, and declining participation rates in Iowa girls basketball.
• Who: Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever, Washington Mystics, Brazil National Team, Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, Chicago Sky, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU).
• When: May 2025 for WNBA preseason games. The IGHSAU task force will present results at their July meeting.
• Where: WNBA preseason games will be played across the US, including Indianapolis and Iowa City. The IGHSAU is focused on Iowa high schools.

Caitlin Clark's injury adds uncertainty to the start of the WNBA preseason, potentially impacting viewership and fan engagement. The increased national TV coverage of preseason games signals growing interest in the WNBA and its rising stars like Clark and Bueckers. The IGHSAU's efforts to address declining participation in girls' basketball are crucial for the sport's future in Iowa. Discrepancies exist in the initial reporting of Clark's injury, with some sources downplaying its severity while others highlight fan concerns. Clark's proactive approach to improving her game, including reviewing scouting reports against her, demonstrates her commitment to success in her sophomore season.

'This is more of an evaluating phase for us. Nobody is gonna play a ton of minutes; I want to make sure we get a true sense of where we are.'

"They saw, kind of declining numbers in their programs, so I think this really is information to help take a look at, class to class, area to area, program to program on what that means."

"I'm trying to get stronger, like a lot of time in the weight room."

Caitlin Clark's injury status remains a concern as the WNBA preseason approaches. The increased national TV coverage of the preseason marks a significant step forward for the league. The IGHSAU's ongoing efforts to combat declining participation in girls' basketball are essential for the sport's long-term health in Iowa. The situation surrounding Clark's injury and her participation in the Fever's upcoming games will continue to unfold.