Kelsey Plum’s 2026 WNBA season has come to an end with a season-ending calf injury. The Phoenix Mercury star sat out her team’s last two games before the 2026 FIBA World Cup break, but was declared out for the season right after the Aug. 29 game against the Portland Fire. In light of the decision to sit her out for the remainder of the season, the Phoenix Mercury’s GM Nick U’Ren issued a statement citing the guard’s “long-term health” as the factor behind the call.
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“Kelsey is a competitor, and she wants nothing more than to be on the court with her teammates and competing for the Mercury,” U’Ren said in his statement posted by the team on X.
“We know how much it means to her to play, and how much she means to our fans. Ultimately, this was about doing what is best for Kelsey’s long-term health and making sure she has the time and support she needs to return to the court at full strength.”
The Mercury acquired Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks during a mid-season trade. She has been dealing with the same calf injury throughout the season. She has played five games since joining the team, but has played less than 20 minutes in her last two games. In her personal statement, Plum said that she was now focused on returning 100% for the 2027 season.
“I did everything I could to be back on the court, but just ran out of time… The decision has been made to shut it down through the remainder of the season and focus on getting my body back to 100%,” she wrote in her Instagram story.
Mercury is already out of playoff contention this season. It makes sense for the team to shut her down to avoid any further injury that could potentially jeopardize their next season as well. They are currently ranked 12th in the league with a 14-26 record. The remaining four games of their 2026 schedule that resumes on Sep. 17 are practically inconsequential for them this season.
Plum will be a free agent after this season. She averaged 15.8 points and 2.8 assists in 21 minutes for the Mercury across five games. She played 12 games for the LA Sparks before the trade and averaged 23.9 points and 6.4 assists. With her on the roster and a few moves during the offseason, the Mercury have a good chance to be a playoff contender.
The news also had a direct impact on Team USA’s roster. Plum was part of Team USA for the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, which is scheduled from Sept. 4 through Sept. 13, but the calf injury has forced her out of the lineup. Her former Las Vegas Aces teammate A’ja Wilson, who was also part of the national team, has pulled out of the roster.
With two spots open, Team USA made a quick decision and added the Washington Mystics teammates Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron to the roster.
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With yet another two young stars on the roster, this could mark the beginning of a new era of USA basketball. Aside from Citron and Iriafen, this year’s roster features an overwhelming number of young WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese. It also features veteran stars like Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Chelsea Gray.
The Americans have won all four of the last World Cups, and 11 in total. Wilson and Plum could have given them a big edge over other teams in the competition. The Las Vegas Aces star and the leading MVP candidate showcased even dominance on both ends, and Plum is one of the elite scorers in the world.
Their absence from the roster will diminish Team USA’s depth. However, the roster is still filled with some of the best players in the game. Even after Plum and Wilson’s exit, the Americans remain the favorite for the gold medal.