Nika Muhl, a rising star in the WNBA, recently suffered an injury that has left fans concerned about her future on the court. As updates on her condition emerge, fans want to know what happened and when she will return to WNBA action.
Here are the latest updates on Nika Muhl’s injury and when she will return.
How did Nika Muhl get injured playing basketball?
Nika Muhl, who recently completed her rookie season with the Seattle Storm, tore her ACL while playing for Turkish basketball club Beşiktaş. The injury occurred during her debut game with the team in the FIBA Women’s Super Cup against Fenerbahçe Opet on Thursday.
During the third quarter, Muhl lunged for a loose ball and fell awkwardly, grabbing her left knee in visible pain. She was immediately taken off the court on a stretcher. Later, she reappeared on the bench with her knee wrapped but did not return to play.
A post-game photo captured Muhl alongside her teammates, her discomfort evident despite her efforts to stay positive. Both her team and players from Fenerbahçe gathered to offer their support, with many exchanging comforting words and gestures.
When will Nika Muhl return to play WNBA?
Besiktas CEO Özkan Arseven confirmed that Nika Mühl, 23, has suffered a torn ACL, officially ending her basketball season. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), written in Turkish, Arseven stated that an MRI revealed the injury and expressed his sympathies.
Nika Muhl sustained the injury during a FIBA Women’s Super Cup game, which organizers had already postponed after fans threw firecrackers onto the court. Mühl’s Seattle Storm teammate, Gabby Williams, who plays for Fenerbahçe, stayed by her side while they waited for the stretcher and offered her comfort.
Nika’s close friend and former UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers, shared a heartfelt message on social media. Bueckers wrote on X, “Nothing my twin can’t overcome. Gonna destroy this comeback journey! God speed.”