Nika Muhl’s career as a professional basketball player has suffered yet another setback.
Muhl, a two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 5.8 points and 5.2 assists per game during her time at UConn. She was then selected by the Seattle Storm with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
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Unfortunately, Muhl suffered a torn ACL while playing for Turkish Super League club Besiktas in October 2024. That injury kept her off the hardwood for the entire 2025 WNBA season.
Muhl was hoping to have a bounce-back season in 2026. Her plans were derailed this March though when she torn her ACL while playing for Croatia’s national team. This injury occurred in the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Qualifiers.
“Seattle Storm point guard, Nika Mühl, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee during a game on March 11, 2026, while playing for Croatia in the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Qualifiers,” the team said. “Mühl underwent successful surgery on March 31, 2026 to repair the ligament and will miss the 2026 WNBA Season. She is taking steps towards a healthy recovery and updates on her progress and return to play will be made public when available.”
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 05: Nika Muhl #1 of the Seattle Storm poses for a portrait with former college teammate Paige Bueckers #5 of the Connecticut Huskies after the game between the Seattle Storm and the Chicago Sky at Climate Pledge Arena on July 05, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Steph Chambers/Getty Images
(Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
WNBA fans heartbroken for Nika Muhl.
Muhl’s fans are obviously devastated that she’ll be sidelined indefinitely with another knee injury.
“Wishing her the best for her physical and mental health,” one fan wrote on X.
“She can’t catch a break,” a second fan commented.
“This is brutal, another ACL injury for Nika,” another person replied to the news. “After she worked so hard to recover from the first, I’m hoping she’s able to maintain that same positivity and determination as she rehabs anew. Hate this — wishing for the best!”
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“So unfair man,” a social media user said. “She’s still gonna come back stronger than ever though.”
Hopefully, Muhl makes a full recovery and returns to the hardwood in 2027.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
