The WNBA preseason is heating up, and storylines are swirling as we approach opening week. From Caitlin Clark’s win-now mindset to major injury updates, and the ongoing mystery surrounding French phenom Dominique Malonga, here’s everything you need to know right now from around the league.

Caitlin Clark: “I’m Not Here to Rebuild — I’m Here to Compete”

Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has made one thing clear during her first week of training camp with the Indiana Fever: she wants to win — now.

In a recent media session, Clark was asked about the team’s long-term development plan. Her answer was direct:

“I’m not thinking three years from now. I want to win this season. That’s the standard I hold myself to — and I know this group can compete with anyone.”

Her presence has already elevated the Fever’s intensity, with coaches praising her vocal leadership and “pro-level maturity.” Sources say Clark is staying late after practice to build chemistry with stars like Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith, and her competitive fire is rubbing off on the locker room.

Clark isn’t just the face of a new WNBA era — she’s already shaping its culture.

Injury Roundup: Key WNBA Players Sidelined Before Opening Week

Several teams are dealing with major injury concerns as the regular season nears. Here’s a quick rundown:

Skylar Diggins-Smith (Seattle Storm): Still working back from maternity leave and recovery, her status for the first two weeks remains questionable.

Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury): Tweaked ankle in training camp but expected to be ready for opening night.

Brionna Jones (Connecticut Sun): Cleared for full contact after last season’s Achilles injury, but the team is easing her in gradually.

Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream): Took a hard fall in practice this week. Early reports say it’s a minor back strain — she’s listed as day-to-day.

These injury stories will be crucial to monitor, especially with such a short regular season where every game counts.

Where Is Dominique Malonga? The French Star’s Absence Raises Eyebrows

One of the most talked-about international prospects this year, Dominique Malonga, has fans asking: Where is she?

After declaring for the WNBA Draft — then mysteriously withdrawing — Malonga has been absent from training camps and pre-draft media appearances. Multiple sources confirm she is still under contract in France, and her WNBA future appears to be on pause, for now.

Some insiders believe she could join the league next year, possibly as a top pick in the 2025 draft. But her lack of visibility and no official statements from her camp have fueled speculation.

Could she be waiting for the right team fit? Or simply prioritizing her EuroLeague development for one more season? Time will tell — but for now, the Malonga mystery continues.

 Final Thoughts

With opening night just around the corner, the WNBA is brimming with excitement — and questions.

Can Caitlin Clark lead Indiana to a playoff run?

Will injuries derail early title contenders?

And when will we see Malonga grace a WNBA court?

One thing is certain: this season is going to be unpredictable, intense, and unforgettable