INDIANAPOLIS — The WNBA has instructed referees to facilitate a formal lineup of opposing players who will punch Caitlin Clark in the face before every game, after which the officials will immediately assess her five personal fouls prior to tipoff.
According to a league memorandum obtained by this outlet, the procedure is to be completed during the final minutes of warmups. Officials will direct the visiting team to form a single-file line at center court. Clark will stand stationary while each player is permitted one punch to the face. Once the line has finished, the referees will record the five fouls on Clark’s stat sheet and signal readiness for tipoff.
“This process ensures the fouls are applied in an orderly and transparent manner,” the memo states. “By handling the physical contact and the corresponding fouls before the game begins, we eliminate mid-game interruptions and allow the contest to proceed more efficiently.”
League officials emphasized that the punches themselves are not considered flagrant under the new protocol, as they occur outside regulation play. Only the resulting fouls on Clark are recorded. Opposing players are expected to participate in the ceremony as directed by the referees.
Indiana Fever representatives declined comment. Clark was unavailable for interview.
The policy takes effect at the start of the 2027 season and applies solely to games involving Clark. A WNBA spokesperson confirmed that no other player will be subject to a pre-tipoff punching lineup or automatic foul assessment.
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