Team Caitlin Clark suffers massive injury blow as $215,000 star announces absence from All-Star game 

Team Caitlin Clark could be severely shorthanded in Saturday's All-Star showdown against Team Napheesa Collier. Clark's participation is up in the air, and she could join Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally on the sidelines.

Sabally, who is on a $215,000 contract, announced her absence from the All-Star game on Wednesday as she recovers from an ankle injury. Sabally released a statement on Instagram saying she had been working around the clock to speed up her return to the court, not just for the Mercury, but also for Clark's team at the All-Star showdown. Sabally said she needs more time to recover.

"I'm disappointed, naturally, but I want to ensure I'm doing everything I can to be healthy after the break and give my organization and the X-Factor everything I can as we compete to accomplish our team goals."

She did, however, confirm that she would be in Indianapolis for the most 'important' part of the weekend, the new CBA negotiations between the WNBPA and WNBA. Sabally said she's on the leadership committee that will "fight" for a fair and equitable CBA.

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Team Caitlin Clark could be without two starters and one reserve

Right after Satou Sabally announced her withdrawal from the 2025 WNBA All-Star game, Caitlin Clark's team suffered another blow as reserve Jackie Young went down with a hip injury against the Dallas Wings. Young exited the game and didn't return.

The team could now be down three players, including Clark. There's no surefire update on Clark and Young's availability, but the extent of their injuries could rule them out. Sabrina Ionescu, A'ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell will have key roles to play in Saturday's game if Clark and Young join Sabally on the sidelines.

Angel Reese was the only player from Napheesa Collier's team on the injury report heading into the weekend. She missed Wednesday's matchup against the Atlanta Dream with a leg injury.

Collier's team appears much deeper and more experienced on paper, making it the favorite going into the matchup, especially if Clark and Young remain sidelined.

Edited by Arhaan Raje