Caitlin Clark’s new look causes stir as Fever coach addresses fans’ concerns

All eyes are once again on Caitlin Clark heading into the 2026 WNBA regular season.

The Indiana Fever star has been at the center of media headlines since her arrival into the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

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This season is no different.

As the 24-year-old gets set to enter her third season in the W, there have been some subtle, but notable, changes to her practice attire, with Clark most recently seen sporting a leg sleeve on her left leg on Monday.

The video showing her new look, surfaced on social media just days after the guard left the Fever’s preseason game against the Dallas Wings limping after suffering a hard fall.

In the Fever’s 95-80 win over Paige Bueckers, and 2026 No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, Clark racked up 21 points, four assists and a steal in just 16 minutes before her injury scare.

“I feel good, just landed on my kneecap really hard,” she said, per the Indianapolis Star, after the game.

The two-time All-Star would go on to play 13 minutes in the Fever’s thumping 105-57 victory over Nigeria to end their preseason campaign on Sunday.

There, she recorded 12 points sooting 3-of-4 from the field, along with four assists and two rebounds.

Fever head coach Stephanie White was asked about Clark’s leg sleeve after practice on Monday, where she issued a simple 10-word response.

“It’s a style thing, looks good on her doesn’t it?” White said, with a laugh.

Fans express concerns over Clark’s new look

While that may be the case, fans on social media are speculating that there may be an underlying issue despite Clark revealing that she had no “overnight swelling or any residual issues” after her hard fall on Thursday as she continues her bid to be healthier in 2026.

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“So, she was completely cleared to play the other day. No swelling, etc. Everything was fine. I’ll be curious to hear why the leg sleeve is necessary. “Just a precaution” is not an answer that should be allowed,” one fan question on X (formerly Twitter).

“Hoping this is just the new medical team and trainers taking precautions. Seriously, can’t take another season of injuries. I’m already not excited about this season like I was last season. I’m in the wait and see mode,” a second user commented.

“Hmmm, on the same leg she was holding the other day, interesting,” a third chimed in before a fourth added, “This is stressful to see her in a leg sleeve!! She’s happy though.”

“For my mental, I’m choosing to think her knee has a big bruise and she’s just covering it up so people won’t freak out for no reason,” a fifth wrote.

Wearing a leg sleeve is just a fashion choice for some stars across the WNBA and NBA.

Take A’ja Wilson for example – the four-time WNBA MVP’s signature look is rocking one leg sleeve.

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Similarly, Clark’s collegiate rival Angel Reese also dons the sleeve on the left-leg.

After an injury-ravaged sophomore season in the W which limited her to just 13 games, though, it is no wonder why some fans have concerns over Clark’s new accessory.

But with her appearing to have found her shooting rhythm, the Fever – who have mostly run it back – can now look ahead and focus on the 2026 campaign, where they have championship aspirations on their mind.

First up is a trip to the Wings on May 9.

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