The Indiana Fever captured attention during the 2025 WNBA season by making an unexpected run to the playoff semifinals, despite facing significant injuries to crucial players. Star guard Caitlin Clark missed extra playing time due to a left quadriceps strain and persistent groin issues, while veteran guard Sophie Cunningham suffered a season-ending torn ACL in her right knee. Additionally, Sidney Colson is sidelined for the season with an ACL tear, leaving the team’s backcourt with limited depth.
Point guard Aari McDonald rose as a key contributor before also being sidelined by injury. Although Fever head coach Stephanie White and the organization hoped for a healthy roster heading into 2026, McDonald’s offseason brought disappointing news. The Unrivaled 3-on-3 Women’s Basketball League announced that McDonald will miss the remainder of their season, effectively suspending her competitive play until the WNBA season begins.
McDonald, who had been assigned to Breeze BC for the 2026 Unrivaled season, only appeared for six minutes before sustaining a lower right leg injury and has not competed since, according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. McDonald initially joined the Fever in June on a hardship contract amid the team’s injury struggles. After a brief release when other players returned, she was re-signed for the rest of the season.
Before her injury last year, McDonald demonstrated her value to the Fever, averaging 9.8 points and 4.7 assists over 20 games, including a career-high 27 points in late July. She played a vital role in stabilizing Indiana’s offense during a challenging period. With free agency approaching in the 2026 offseason, McDonald’s professional future remains uncertain as fans and analysts watch her recovery closely.
The WNBA’s 2026 season is set to start on May 8, but ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the league and players’ union have cast doubt on the schedule.
Fan Take: The Indiana Fever’s perseverance through injury adversity highlights the resilience and depth emerging in the WNBA, a testament to the league’s growing competitiveness. McDonald’s situation underscores the challenges players face with injuries but also the league’s dedication to providing opportunities for talent to shine despite setbacks, which is crucial for the sport’s long-term growth.
