Why the WNBA decided to suspend Alyssa Thomas for Caitlin Clark incident

The WNBA has stepped in amid significant controversy stemming from Wednesday night's game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Indiana Fever.

During a scramble for a loose ball around the Mercury basket, Phoenix star Alyssa Thomas made contact with the Fever's Caitlin Clark. Thomas kneed Clark in the groin as she went to ground to retrieve the basketball, and as she rose to her feet, Thomas drove her fist into Clark's throat.

MORE: Former NFL star declares Caitlin Clark should 'seriously consider' WNBA departure

The incident occurred with 6:52 to go in the first half of an eventual 111-109 win for the Mercury. Clark played 20 minutes in the first half but did not return for the second half after she tweaked her back.

Fever coach Stephanie White laid into Thomas and the officials after the game, and many on social media called for the WNBA to suspend Thomas after replays of the incident went viral.

The league listened.

Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas Receives Flagrant Foul 2 Penalty and a One-Game Suspension pic.twitter.com/VnDF8M3SXQ

The WNBA's League Office has assessed Thomas a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension for the incident with Clark. The punishment means Thomas, a six-time All-Star and an MVP candidate last year, will miss the Mercury's next game against the Toronto Tempo on Saturday.

The league decided that Thomas committed a "non-basketball act" as she "recklessly" made contact to Clark's throat area with her fist.

It is well within the league's right to review any action after a game is concluded, even if the referees did not make a call during live action.

While Thomas' suspension will be cause for celebration in Indiana, it's a big blow for Phoenix, which reached the WNBA Finals last season but has struggled to a 6-13 mark in 2026.

More WNBA news:

• Caitlin Clark shunned by WNBA in nonsensical decision that helped Angel Reese

• Fever's Caitlin Clark just had a 'pivotal' moment in her career after controversial loss to Mercury

• Lynx's Olivia Miles sets all-time WNBA record faster than Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers

• Aliyah Boston's flagrant foul carries automatic WNBA fine after Fever loss to Mercury