On Saturday, July 18, 2026, during a WNBA game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever was struck in the face by New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart. The hit went uncalled by officials, sparking debate among fans and commentators.

Early in the first quarter, Clark was assessed a technical foul after running full speed into a hard screen set by Liberty’s Jonquel Jones. The foul was called just 90 seconds into the game and marked Clark’s sixth technical foul of the 2026 season. Despite the technical foul and the uncalled contact from Stewart, Clark and the Fever rallied to a decisive 108-88 win over the Liberty, securing first place in the Eastern Conference.

Fever head coach Stephanie White stated she did not seek an explanation from officials regarding the technical foul on Clark or the no-call on the screen play. She emphasized the importance of strategic use of technical fouls, saying, "There have to be conversations... making sure that we're strategic in using our technical fouls."

The game featured intense defensive contests, including the moment when Stewart extended her arm while challenging Clark’s shot near the basket. Clark’s performance remained strong despite the physical contact and the early foul call.

Sources