Seattle Storm guard Nika Mühl has suffered another devastating knee injury that will sideline her for the second consecutive WNBA season. The 24-year-old tore the ACL in her right knee while representing Croatia in a EuroBasket qualifying game on March 11.
The Storm organization confirmed Wednesday that Mühl underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair the damage. This latest setback comes just as the Croatian international was preparing to return to WNBA action after missing the entire 2025 campaign.
Mühl's previous season-ending injury occurred while she was playing overseas for Turkish club Besiktas during the FIBA SuperCup tournament, where she tore the ACL in her left knee. The consecutive catastrophic injuries have limited her professional career significantly since being drafted by Seattle.
The former University of Connecticut standout has managed to appear in only 16 games across three seasons with the Storm since entering the league. Her limited court time has prevented the organization from fully evaluating the potential they saw when acquiring the defensive-minded point guard.
Team officials expressed disappointment at the news but emphasized their support for Mühl's recovery process. The organization remains committed to providing her with the necessary medical resources and rehabilitation support throughout her recovery journey.
The timing of the injury presents particular challenges for both player and team, as Mühl was expected to compete for rotational minutes in Seattle's backcourt during training camp. The Storm now face additional roster decisions heading into the 2026 season with their guard depth impacted.
Mühl's injury history highlights the physical risks professional athletes face when competing in multiple leagues throughout the year. Many WNBA players supplement their income by playing overseas during the offseason, though this often comes with increased injury exposure.
The Storm organization will continue monitoring Mühl's rehabilitation progress while evaluating their options for backcourt depth ahead of the upcoming season. Fans and teammates alike will be watching for updates on her recovery timeline as she begins the challenging process of returning from a second major knee surgery.
