Caitlin Clark Leads Fever in Valkyries Game Amid Referee Dispute and Fan Abuse Claims

The Indiana Fever hosted the expansion Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 15, 2026. The Valkyries won 88‑75, extending their winning streak to eight games. Caitlin Clark, playing limited minutes because of a back injury, scored 13 points, added six assists and was issued a warning after confronting a referee over a missed no‑call involving a knee‑to‑the‑quad collision with Valkyries center Kiah Stokes.

The game sparked wider controversy. After a later clash between Valkyries guard Chelsea Gray and Clark, a fan posted a racist slur directed at Gray; Hilton Grand Vacations fired the employee responsible. Earlier, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received a one‑game suspension and a $1,000 fine for a throat‑punch on Clark, prompting GOP lawmakers to write to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and prompting NBA commissioner Adam Silver to urge a suspension for Thomas.

Clark also faced criticism for her on‑court demeanor, with commentators and former players debating whether the league’s handling of referee calls and player safety was adequate. The Fever’s other stars, including Kelsey Mitchell (20 points) and Aliyah Boston (15 points), contributed, but the team fell to a 14‑10 record, tying for fifth place in the league.