The WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game [1] after she made reckless contact with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

The league's disciplinary action highlights a strict stance against non-basketball contact in a season marked by high physical intensity and intense scrutiny of star players.

The incident occurred during a regular-season game on Wednesday night, June 24, 2026 [4]. According to league officials, Thomas committed a flagrant foul by placing her fist on Clark’s throat [1, 2, 3]. The WNBA said the move was a non-basketball act that violated league rules [2, 3].

The league announced the suspension and an accompanying fine on June 25, 2026 [4]. A WNBA spokesperson said the player was "recklessly making contact with her" [2].

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts expressed frustration with the league's decision. Tibbetts said the suspension was "extremely disappointing" [5]. He said, "We are extremely disappointed with the league's handling of this situation" [5].

Thomas will miss one game [1] as a result of the ruling. The penalty follows a review of the game tape to determine if the contact was intentional or a byproduct of athletic play. The league said the action was reckless and warranted immediate disciplinary measures [2, 3].

“"Extremely disappointing."”

This suspension underscores the WNBA's effort to maintain player safety and game integrity as the league's popularity grows. By labeling the contact as 'non-basketball,' the league distinguishes between aggressive competitive play and prohibited violence, signaling that fouls targeting the head or neck will result in swift disciplinary action regardless of the players' status.