Caitlin Clark Hit in Throat by Alyssa Thomas — WNBA Suspends Thomas 1 Game After Post-Game Review
League office issues suspension following fist-to-throat contact as fans and players debate whether punishment is harsh enough June 25, 2026 — The WNBA has suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat during Wednesday night’s
League office issues suspension following fist-to-throat contact as fans and players debate whether punishment is harsh enough
June 25, 2026 — The WNBA has suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat during Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Fever.
According to the league’s announcement, the suspension was handed down following a post-game review of the play. Thomas will miss Phoenix’s next scheduled game. Clark was shaken up but remained in the game after the incident.
🚨BREAKING: The WNBA has retroactively given Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas a Flagrant 2 and a One-Game Suspension for this act on Caitlin Clark in last night’s game. pic.twitter.com/y6mlMHVT5Q
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 25, 2026
Social media reacted immediately and strongly. The clip of the contact has been widely shared, with many fans calling for stronger protection of Clark and others arguing the one-game ban is too lenient. Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides publicly criticized opposing teams for “cheap shots” on Clark, while some Mercury supporters pushed back against the suspension. The incident has quickly become one of the most discussed moments in the WNBA this season.
The league’s decision highlights ongoing conversations about physical play and player safety involving the league’s biggest star. The Fever and Mercury are scheduled to meet again later this season.
