BERLIN -- Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season after suffering a torn ACL Wednesday at the FIBA World Cup while playing for the Australian Opals, the Storm announced Thursday.
Magbegor, a four-time all-defensive selection and 2023 WNBA All-Star, sustained the injury during the first quarter of Australia's quarterfinal matchup with Italy.
Magbegor was in attendance for Thursday's quarterfinal against Spain. A few WNBA peers on Spain found her pregame to hug and show her support.
Magbegor will need surgery, according to a statement from Basketball Australia, though additional details on when and where the surgery would take place 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 statement said.
The Opals have been plagued by injuries and illness: Star forward Alanna Smith played just 12 minutes in Australia's group play opener against Puerto Rico before suffering a lower leg injury. She was later shut down for the remainder of the tournament. Veteran guard Sami Whitcomb has missed the entire World Cup due to a lingering left knee issue, while Jade Melbourne was also sidelined most of Wednesday and all of Thursday with an illness.
Magbegor, 27, had been limited to just 14 games this WNBA season due to a foot injury and facial fracture, averaging 6.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in those appearances. Her career year came in 2023, where she averaged 13.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while compiling 10 double-doubles. She signed a three-year extension with the Storm in April.
The Storm are currently 8-32 and in last place in the WNBA with four games remaining in their season after the FIBA break. They boast two promising 20-year-old post players in Dominique Malonga and Awa Fam -- who are also at the World Cup representing France and Spain, respectively.
