In a shocking turn of events, Lynx star guard Kayla McBride has sustained a serious injury—a tear in her right quadriceps—while practicing in Istanbul with her Turkish team, Fenerbahce, as reported by the club. This injury not only poses a significant challenge for McBride but also raises concerns about the upcoming WNBA season for the Minnesota Lynx.
Following the announcement, it was revealed that McBride is currently receiving treatment in Turkey, indicating that she is actively working towards recovery. Typically, rehabilitation for such an injury can take a minimum of four months, depending on how severe the damage is. This timeline places the beginning of the Lynx's season, which is scheduled to kick off at home against Atlanta on May 10, in a precarious situation, especially given the ongoing labor dispute within the WNBA that could potentially delay the start of the season.
Adding to the Lynx’s troubles, earlier this month, it was disclosed that superstar forward Napheesa Collier would also be sidelined for an extended period, estimated at four to six months, following surgery on both of her ankles. With these two key players out, Minnesota may find themselves severely understaffed at the start of the 2026 campaign if the season begins as planned.
McBride, at 32 years old, has been a standout player, earning All-Star honors for the last two seasons. In the previous year, she averaged an impressive 14 points per game while successfully making 39% of her attempts from beyond the arc.
As fans and analysts alike consider the implications of these injuries, one can't help but wonder: How will the Lynx adapt to these setbacks? Will they be able to find a way to remain competitive in the upcoming season, or is this the beginning of a challenging chapter for the team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!