Overview
- Caitlin Clark returned to organized play on Day 1 in Durham, taking part in full-court five-on-five with video showing sharp lateral movement after her 2025 groin and quad injuries.
- Head coach Kara Lawson and managing director Sue Bird praised Clark’s readiness and two-way play, noting conditioning and rhythm will build over the weekend.
- The 17-player roster features several first-time senior campers such as Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese as staff assess candidates for Germany’s 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
- Clark called ongoing CBA talks the WNBA’s “biggest moment,” urging compromise to ensure the league plays next season, while union officer Kelsey Plum described negotiations as “disheartening.”
- The CBA now runs through Jan. 9, 2026, and key offseason items including the schedule, expansion drafts and free agency are paused until a new agreement is finalized.