Lynx's Cheryl Reeve Provides Update on Kayla McBride's Ruptured Eardrum

All eyes are on the recovery of Minnesota Lynx All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, who underwent offseason surgery to repair torn ligaments in both of her ankles.

But Lynx All-Star guard Kayla McBride is also navigating an injury as the 2026 WNBA season fast approaches.

McBride suffered a partially ruptured eardrum while flying home to the United States after playing overseas for Fenerbahçe in Turkey. She was unable to fly in the injury’s immediate aftermath, per Front Office Sports’ Colin Salao.

The Lynx opened training camp on Sunday, and head coach Cheryl Reeve was asked whether McBride’s partially ruptured eardrum would prevent her from flying with the team and playing away games.

“I’m hopeful that that's not the case,” Reeve said, per Andrew Dukowitz. “I think we've gotten to a space where she has since flown, and is, I think, markedly better than what she was experiencing before, so it shouldn't be the case that this is going to be lingering, but obviously, we'll keep an eye on that.”

The Lynx announced their re-signing of McBride last weekend but did not disclose the terms of her new contract. ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported that McBride agreed to “a two-year, lower max salary.”

McBride has been in Minnesota since 2021 and earned All-Star nods in each of the past two seasons. Last year, McBride was second only to Collier in scoring (22.9 points per game) for the league-best 34-10 Lynx.

While Minnesota was a regular-season juggernaut, Collier’s injuries eventually caught up to the Lynx. Collier suffered a Grade 2 tear to three ankle ligaments and a shin muscle in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury. The Lynx lost that series in four games.

On Friday, Collier told reporters, “Everything is going well, so you’ll see me soon.” She did not specify an exact return date.

Minnesota is slated to open the 2026 WNBA season against the Atlanta Dream on May 10.

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 8:37 PM.