Holly Rowe declares Caitlin Clark, Fever: ‘Can and will compete for championships’

Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during the UConn Huskies game against South Carolina Gamecocks during the semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Indiana Fever went on a deep playoff run last season despite being decimated by injuries in the second half of the season. The Fever are heading into the 2026 season with a much cleaner bill of health, and fans are ready to see phenom Caitlin Clark take the floor again.

In a recent appearance on Yahoo Sports Daily, reporter Holly Rowe if she considered the upcoming season to be a “championship or bust” year for Indiana, and while Rowe shot down the idea, she did make it clear sort of level she expects the franchise to compete at for years to come.

“I think this is still a really young team. I mean, I think they showcased that they are capable of doing a great job in the playoffs,” Rowe said. “You know, they push teams to the brink and really were feisty in the playoffs in a way that I don’t know people even expected because they were without not only Caitlin Clark but 4 other injured players.

“So I think what we’re seeing is this Indiana Fever nucleus is a team that can and will compete for championships, but it’s not bust. They’re still learning, they’re still growing. I mean, Aliyah Boston is still a young player.

“Caitlin Clark is really just in her second— well, this will be her third year playing. So, you know, I think this is still a young team that will continue to drive. And, and will they be in the championship? Who knows? They could be if they could stay healthy. I think they have the pieces to do that, but it’s never bust. I think every learning experience is going to be great for this Indiana team.”

Clark made the All-WNBA first team in her rookie season, when she was fully healthy. If she can return to that level of play in 2026, the Fever may just be ahead of Rowe’s timeline.