The WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas for one game [1] after she placed her fist on Caitlin Clark's throat during Wednesday's game [2].

This disciplinary action highlights the league's effort to maintain player safety and professional conduct during high-profile matchups involving star athletes. The incident occurred during a game in Phoenix, Arizona, where the Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever [1, 3].

The league announced the suspension on Thursday, June 25, 2026 [2]. According to a WNBA league spokesperson, "Thomas recklessly pressed her fist to the throat of Caitlin Clark during the second quarter" [4]. The league classified the act as a flagrant foul that violated conduct rules [1, 4].

Thomas will serve the one-game suspension during the Mercury's next scheduled game on Saturday, June 27, 2026, against the Toronto Tempo [1].

Reports regarding additional penalties vary. USA Today reported that Thomas was both suspended and fined [2]. However, other reports from PBS NewsHour and Heavy.com mentioned only the one-game suspension and did not reference a fine [1, 3].

"Alyssa Thomas has been suspended by the WNBA after putting her fist on Caitlin Clark's throat on Wednesday night," a reporter for USA Today said [2].

“Thomas recklessly pressed her fist to the throat of Caitlin Clark during the second quarter.”

The suspension of a veteran player like Thomas underscores the WNBA's commitment to protecting its marquee players and maintaining a standard of on-court behavior. By acting swiftly within 24 hours of the incident, the league is signaling that physical aggression targeting the throat or head will result in immediate disciplinary consequences regardless of the game's outcome.