Seattle Storm guard Nika Muhl faces another devastating setback after undergoing successful surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee. The procedure, confirmed by the team on Wednesday, will force the 24-year-old to miss the entire 2026 WNBA season—her second consecutive year sidelined by major knee injuries.
The injury occurred on March 11 while Muhl was representing Croatia in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers. This marks a cruel repeat of the ACL tear she suffered in her left knee on October 3, 2024, while playing for Turkish club Besiktas, which caused her to miss the entire 2025 WNBA campaign.
Muhl's professional career has been plagued by injuries since being drafted No. 14 overall in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft. In her rookie season, she saw limited action, appearing in just 16 games while averaging 3.6 minutes per contest. Her statistical contributions included two points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, with her only field goal coming during the regular-season finale.
The Croatian guard arrived in the WNBA with impressive credentials from her collegiate career at UConn. Over 139 games during her four-year tenure with the Huskies, Muhl established herself as one of the program's most prolific passers, setting single-season (284) and career (686) assist records.
Her absence creates additional backcourt challenges for a Storm team that finished the 2025 season with a 23-21 record, securing seventh place in the league and a first-round playoff appearance. Seattle's 2026 preseason begins April 25 against the Golden State Valkyries, with the regular season opener scheduled for May 8.
The consecutive season-ending injuries represent a significant professional hurdle for the young guard, who has yet to establish herself in the WNBA despite her collegiate success. Rehabilitation from ACL surgery typically requires 9-12 months, putting Muhl's potential return timeline for the 2027 season in question.
Storm management has not yet commented on whether they will maintain Muhl's roster spot through her recovery or pursue backcourt reinforcements ahead of the upcoming season. The team's guard rotation currently features veterans and younger players who will need to step up in Muhl's extended absence.