Caitlin Clark has become the face of Indiana sports. In just two years as a professional, she has sold out arenas across the country, transformed the Indiana Fever’s fortunes, and helped bring more eyes to the WNBA.
Now, she is about to take center stage at one of the most iconic sporting events on the planet.
Caitlin Clark Receives Massive Honor At the Indy500 Event
In both of her first two seasons with the Fever, she played WNBA games on Indy 500 race weekend. Clark never got the chance to experience it. This year, Fever’s schedule opened up a six-day break before their next game on May 28. That window aligned perfectly with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway event.
On Tuesday, officials announced that Clark will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24.
#Fever star Caitlin Clark on being the #Indy500 grand marshal:
“This is my first time. … When you first move to Indianapolis, that’s what everybody … asks you or tells you. ‘You gotta go to the Indy 500. You have to experience it just once.’ … Hoping the rain holds off.” pic.twitter.com/Kq6CC20tDl
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 23, 2026
Clark made her feelings clear when she addressed the announcement. “This is my first time,” she said. “When you first move to Indianapolis, that’s what everybody asks you or tells you: ‘You gotta go to the Indy 500. You have to experience it just once.’ Hoping the rain holds off.”
As Grand Marshal, Clark will step to the microphone atop the Victory Podium and deliver the ceremonial command for all 33 drivers to report to their cars during pre-race ceremonies.
The moment will be broadcast live on FOX’s Race Day coverage, which begins at 10 a.m. ET. It is one of the most-watched pre-race traditions in motorsport. Previous Grand Marshals include Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Blake Shelton.
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Fever head coach Stephanie White also spoke about the honor. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” White said. “To experience that as the Grand Marshal, I think, is one of the highest honors you can get in the state of Indiana. So I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
White herself waved the green flag during a race practice last year. She knows what the event means to the state. And she is also aware of what Clark’s presence will mean to the Indy crowd.
The connection between Clark and Gainbridge made the appointment natural. Clark has been a brand ambassador for the Gainbridge brand since her senior year at Iowa.
Gainbridge also sponsors Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Fever play their home games, meaning Clark’s name and the sponsor’s have been intertwined since before she played a single professional game.
IMS president Doug Boles weighed in on it, too. “Since being drafted by the Fever, fans have been clamoring to share the epic celebration and thrilling excitement of Indy 500 Race Day with Caitlin.”
Clark is currently averaging 23.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game in the 2026 WNBA season. She has missed one game due to injury, but looks to be back healthy once again. Indy’s sports fans will certainly be hoping to see her more on the court going forward.