The Seattle Storm announced Wednesday that guard Nika Mühl will miss her second consecutive WNBA season after suffering another serious knee injury while competing internationally.
Mühl underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL in her right knee and will be sidelined for the entire 2026 campaign. The injury occurred on March 11 while the 24-year-old was representing Croatia during the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers.
This devastating news comes after Mühl missed the entire 2025 season due to a previous knee injury. In October 2024, while playing for Besiktas in the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League, she suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in her left knee.
The consecutive injuries represent a significant setback for the young guard who was selected by the Storm in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft out of the University of Connecticut. As a rookie, Mühl appeared in 16 games, contributing two points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists while averaging just 3.6 minutes per game.
The Storm organization expressed support for their injured guard while acknowledging the challenging road ahead. Team officials emphasized that Mühl's rehabilitation and long-term health remain their top priority.
Mühl's absence creates additional backcourt challenges for Seattle as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Storm finished seventh in the WNBA with a 23-21 record last season and advanced to the first round of the playoffs.
The team will open preseason play on Saturday, April 25, against the Golden State Valkyries before beginning the regular season on the road against the same opponent on Friday, May 8.
Despite the consecutive season-ending injuries, team sources indicate the Storm remain committed to Mühl's development and recovery. The organization views the young guard as part of their long-term plans once she completes her rehabilitation process.
The WNBA's physical demands and increased international competition have brought heightened attention to player health and injury prevention. Mühl's case highlights the risks players face when competing year-round across multiple leagues and international competitions.
