Since being drafted by the Indiana Fever last April, Caitlin Clark has quickly become a beloved figure across the state. The 23-year-old has reached ultra-celebrity status—not just in Indiana, but globally—earning a devoted and passionate fanbase.

Indiana has fully embraced the Iowa native, and Clark has welcomed the role with enthusiasm. Over the past year, she’s been seen supporting local teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Butler men’s basketball.

This weekend, the 109th Indianapolis 500—one of the nation’s premier racing events—returns to Indianapolis, and one insider has finally revealed Clark’s plans for the high-profile occasion.

Journalist Scott Agness Reports Caitlin Clark ‘Not Expected’ to Attend Sunday’s Indy 500

“All indications are that Fever guard Caitlin Clark — The Needle — will not attend the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday,” reported Scott Agness in Friday’s edition of Fieldhouse Files.

The well-known Indiana sports journalist reported that despite the Indiana Fever having a lengthy break between games against the New York Liberty (May 24) and Washington Mystics (May 28), Clark is not expected to attend Sunday’s Indy 500.

Given that this year’s race is sponsored by Gainbridge—one of Clark’s major sponsors—many fans anticipated she would be prominently featured in the lead-up to the event. However, despite her ties to the brand, it appears the Fever guard will be sitting this one out.

It’s shaping up to be a big weekend for Indiana sports. The Fever face Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and the defending champion Liberty on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 kicks off at 12:45 p.m. ET, followed by the Pacers hosting the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals at 8:00 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Clark’s presence has already made a transformative impact on both the Indiana Fever and the WNBA as a whole.

According to Sportico, the Fever led the league in attendance last season, averaging an impressive 16,979 fans per home game—significantly more than the second-place New York Liberty, who averaged 12,585.

Even more impressive, the Fever surpassed their total ticket sales for the entire 2023 season (81,336) within just their first five home games of the 2024 campaign, underscoring the immense draw Clark brings to every arena she enters.

Her effect extends beyond the arena and onto TV screens as well. WNBA viewership has surged since Clark entered the league, with 23 games last season averaging over 1 million viewers—Clark played in 20 of them. Her ability to draw national interest has elevated the profile of women’s basketball in a way few athletes ever have.

While fans may be disappointed she won’t be attending the Indy 500 this weekend, the race is still expected to be a marquee event. A massive crowd is anticipated, and numerous high-profile celebrities are confirmed to be in attendance, ensuring the spectacle retains its signature star power.