Caitlin Clark admits she won't be the same player in 2026 for one key reason

Caitlin Clark admits she won't be the same player in 2026 for one key reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark's bold, daring playing style has been credited with keying the WNBA's surge in popularity this decade.

But after she missed all but 13 games during the 2025 season, fans wanted to know whether the 24-year-old retained her swagger entering a 2026 campaign that will place high expectations on the Fever.

The short answer? Yes, Clark still has plenty of confidence to spare.

"I think I'm the best transition player in the league," she said Wednesday at Fever media day. "That's where I thrive."

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Clark's comments offer a window into how Indiana will utilize the two-time All-Star in 2026 now that she is healthy again.

Repeated ankle and groin injuries to Clark last season have prompted a bit of a rethink in Indiana. Head coach Stephanie White may use the Fever's newfound backcourt depth -- featuring free agent Tyasha Harris and first-round pick Raven Johnson -- to put Clark in more off-ball actions and give her a breather.

"It is exhausting bringing the ball up the floor 94 feet versus pressure every single time, so we certainly need to find someone who can handle the ball a little bit," Clark said. " I think Raven and Ty, even other people through camp, have done a great job.”

Auxiliary ball-handlers like Kelsey Mitchell and even can also take the pressure off Clark, who will remain the primary ball-handler -- especially in transition -- but will benefit from Indiana's pickups this month.