ACL Tear Ends Magbegor’s World Cup, WNBA Season

Australia captain and Seattle Storm center Ezi Magbegor tore the ACL in her right knee during Australia’s World Cup victory over Italy, ending her FIBA Women’s World Cup and 2026 WNBA seasons. The 27-year-old was injured while driving for a layup, was helped from the court and did not return. Her absence leaves Australia without another key frontcourt player alongside Alanna Smith, who is also sidelined by a leg injury, as the team faced Spain in the quarterfinals. Magbegor played only 14 games for Seattle this season because of a foot injury and facial fracture, averaging 6.9 points and four rebounds. The Storm, who had the WNBA’s worst record and were effectively eliminated from playoff contention, could also lose Magbegor for a significant portion of the 2027 season as they rebuild around young frontcourt prospects.