Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor has been ruled out for the rest of the 2026 WNBA season after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament while representing the Australian Opals at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the Storm announced Thursday. The injury occurred in the first quarter of Australia’s quarterfinal game against Italy.
Immediate fallout for the Storm and Opals
Magbegor, 27, a four-time WNBA all-defensive selection and a 2023 All-Star, will require surgery, according to a statement from Basketball Australia. Further details on timing and location of the procedure were not disclosed.
"The Australian Opals will wrap their arms around Ezi and we have no doubt in her character and resilience as she enters a period of recovery,"
The setback compounds an already difficult tournament for Australia, which has been hit by multiple injuries and illness. Star forward Alanna Smith was sidelined for the tournament after a lower-leg injury limited her to 12 minutes in the group opener. Veteran guard Sami Whitcomb missed the World Cup with a persistent left-knee problem, and Jade Melbourne was unavailable for parts of the team’s recent schedule because of illness.
What this means for the Storm
Magbegor’s absence removes a veteran defensive anchor from a Seattle roster that has struggled this season. She had been limited to 14 games during the WNBA campaign because of a prior foot injury and a facial fracture. In those appearances she averaged 6.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.
- Magbegor signed a three-year contract extension with the Storm in April.
- The Storm entered the FIBA break at 8-32, last place in the league, with four regular-season games remaining.
- The team will now lean more heavily on younger post players, including 20-year-olds Dominique Malonga and Awa F—(roster name truncated in team release).
Career context
Magbegor’s best professional season came in 2023, when she posted career highs including 13.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game and compiled 10 double-doubles. Her defensive reputation — reflected in multiple all-defensive honors — made her a key piece for Seattle when healthy.
| Stat | 2026 (limited) | 2023 (career year) |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 6.9 | 13.8 |
| Rebounds | 4.0 | 8.1 |
| Assists / Blocks | 1.2 blocks | 2.6 assists |
| Double-doubles | — | 10 |
For American readers, the injury underscores the growing friction between national-team commitments and the WNBA calendar. Magbegor’s surgery and rehabilitation timeline will determine whether she can contribute in Seattle’s next season; ACL recovery frequently spans many months and can affect availability and performance into the following year.
The Opals’ public message emphasized support for the player during recovery, and Seattle will now need to weigh roster moves and minutes redistribution as it closes out a difficult season and prepares for the offseason.
