Caitlin Clark’s comeback season earned her a place on the MVP ballot — and a sign of how far she has come.

The Indiana Fever guard finished fourth in 2026 WNBA MVP voting, the league announced Thursday, collecting 212 points and one first-place vote. A’ja Wilson won the award for a record fifth time, followed by Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles in second and Clark’s Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell in third.

For Clark, the fourth-place finish is the latest line in a season defined by return. After an injury-plagued 2025 campaign that limited her availability, she bounced back to earn AP Comeback Player of the Year honors and kept Indiana in playoff contention from opening night.

The Fever’s season ended in the first round against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, but Clark’s individual trajectory pointed up all season. She now has an MVP ballot finish, a Comeback Player of the Year award, and a full, healthy summer behind her.

It is also a reminder of the Fever’s unusual position: two players — Mitchell and Clark — in the top four of MVP voting. With Clark fully healthy and the young core intact, Indiana’s window is only starting to open.

The work now begins on making next season the one where Clark moves from the ballot to the shortlist.