Seattle Storm‘s Horston, Muhl Out for 2025 Season with ACL Injuries
The Seattle Storm will be without forward Jordan Horston and guard Nika Muhl for the entire 2025 WNBA season after both players suffered ACL tears during the offseason, the team announced Friday. Both players have been placed on the suspended list.
ACL Injuries Sideline Key Players
Muhl’s injury occurred in October while playing for Turkish club Besiktas, while Horston was injured in February competing in the athletes Unlimited league. The timing of Horston’s injury made her absence for the season largely expected. Although there was initial hope for a potential return from Muhl before the end of the regular season in September, the team has decided to place her on the suspended list.
impact on Storm’s Roster and Salary Cap
WNBA rules allow teams to suspend players who are injured while playing outside the league if a physician determines they will be out for more than six weeks. This move removes Horston’s and Muhl’s salaries from the team’s salary cap and roster limits. Both players will resume their contracts with the Storm in the 2026 season.
Horston and Muhl’s Contributions
Horston, a first-round pick in 2023, averaged 6.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game as a key reserve for Seattle last season. Muhl, a 2024 second-round pick, appeared in 16 games during her rookie campaign.
Storm’s Roster Outlook
With the absence of Horston and muhl, the Storm’s roster now stands at 16 players heading into training camp, which begins April 27. The team also added four new players selected in Monday’s WNBA draft, including French center Dominique malonga, the No. 2 overall pick. Malonga, who is currently finishing her season with French club ASVEL, is expected to join the Storm after ASVEL’s playoff run concludes.
Navigating Roster Limits and Salary Cap
WNBA teams can carry a maximum of 12 players and a minimum of 11 on their regular-season roster. General Manager Talisa Rhea told reporters the team anticipates starting the season with 11 players to remain compliant this season under the WNBA’s hard salary cap.
How does the WNBA’s suspended list provision benefit the seattle Storm following Horston and Muhl’s injuries?
Seattle Storm’s Horston, Muhl Out for 2025 Season with ACL injuries
The Seattle Storm will be without forward Jordan horston and guard Nika muhl for the entire 2025 WNBA season after both players suffered ACL tears during the offseason, the team announced Friday. Both players have been placed on the suspended list.
ACL Injuries Sideline Key Players
Muhl’s injury occurred in October while playing for Turkish club Besiktas,while Horston was injured in February competing in the athletes Unlimited league. The timing of Horston’s injury made her absence for the season largely expected. Even though there was initial hope for a potential return from Muhl before the end of the regular season in September, the team has decided to place her on the suspended list.
Impact on Storm’s Roster and Salary Cap
WNBA rules allow teams to suspend players who are injured while playing outside the league if a physician determines they will be out for more than six weeks.This move removes Horston’s and Muhl’s salaries from the team’s salary cap and roster limits. both players will resume their contracts with the Storm in the 2026 season.
Horston and Muhl’s Contributions
Horston, a first-round pick in 2023, averaged 6.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game as a key reserve for Seattle last season. Muhl, a 2024 second-round pick, appeared in 16 games during her rookie campaign.
Storm’s Roster Outlook
With the absence of Horston and muhl, the Storm’s roster now stands at 16 players heading into training camp, which begins April 27. The team also added four new players selected in monday’s WNBA draft, including French centre Dominique malonga, the No. 2 overall pick. Malonga, who is currently finishing her season with French club ASVEL, is expected to join the Storm after ASVEL’s playoff run concludes.
Navigating Roster Limits and Salary Cap
WNBA teams can carry a maximum of 12 players and a minimum of 11 on their regular-season roster. General Manager Talisa Rhea told reporters the team anticipates starting the season with 11 players to remain compliant this season under the WNBA’s hard salary cap.
Q&A: Seattle Storm’s 2025 Season Outlook
- What are ACL injuries, and why are they so important?
- An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear is a severe knee injury that often requires surgery and a lengthy recovery, typically sidelining athletes for 9-12 months. It’s a game-changer because the ACL is crucial for knee stability and movement.
- How does suspending Horston and muhl’s contracts help the Storm?
- Suspending their contracts provides salary cap relief. This allows the Storm to perhaps sign other players to fill the roster spots, or to have more adaptability with their cap space for future moves.
- When do Horston and Muhl return to the Storm?
- Both players are expected to resume their contracts for the 2026 WNBA season, provided their recovery goes well.
- What’s the impact on the Storm’s starting lineup?
- The absence of Horston and muhl creates opportunities for other players to step up and fill their roles.It will be fascinating to see how the coaching staff reshapes the team’s strategy, especially in the early games.
- how will Dominique Malonga and the new draft picks contribute?
- Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick,is expected to be a key addition. The other draftees will likely compete for roster spots and provide depth. keep an eye on how quickly they adapt to the WNBA.
- What is a “hard” salary cap?
- In the WNBA, a hard salary cap means teams are strictly limited in the amount of money they can spend on player salaries. They can’t exceed the set limit. This contrasts with a “soft” cap, which might allow for some exceptions.
The Storm faces a challenging 2025 season. Follow the team and see how they navigate these roster changes.
