The Indiana Fever announced on Monday that they will play two preseason games ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, although the official start date for the season remains uncertain due to ongoing labor negotiations. On April 25, Fever star Caitlin Clark and her team will face the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in a highly anticipated preseason clash. Following that, Indiana will host the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 30, with Paige Bueckers set to be a key figure in the matchup.
The Fever and Wings are scheduled to open the 2026 regular season against each other on May 9. Their previous encounters during the 44-game regular season last year, played three times, highlighted a rising rivalry between Bueckers and Clark that has fans eagerly awaiting their next battles on the court.
Despite rumors of tension, Bueckers recently dismissed any animosity between herself and Clark, emphasizing in an interview with Kyle Kelce on “Not Gonna Lie” that they share a friendly relationship. Both athletes are also competing for spots on the U.S. Women’s Basketball team for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany.
Fan Take: This upcoming season promises thrilling matchups between two of the league’s brightest stars, which is exactly the kind of competitive drama that can elevate the WNBA’s profile. Fans should pay close attention, as the Clark-Bueckers rivalry could become a defining storyline that attracts more eyes to women’s basketball and helps grow the sport.
