Kayla McBride Shares Progress Update on Hearing After Injury

The 33-year-old further clarified, “I get some popping even in the arena the other day. I think just like the noise, I don’t know what happened, but it was a little popping and stuff, but overall it’s okay.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, recovery from eardrum surgery can take about 10 days to two weeks. However, it could take McBride up to three more months for her hearing to fully return.

During recovery, patients are usually advised to avoid flying, swimming, and intense physical activity. That could be a challenge for the five-time WNBA All-Star.

Even so, McBride played in the Lynx’s preseason game against the Toronto Tempo on May 1, logging over 20 minutes and del;i. But with the regular season starting in less than five days, her recovery window remains tight.

Making things even tougher, her eardrum issue came after she had already dealt with another injury.

Why Kayla McBride’s Return Timeline Remains Uncertain?

Earlier this year, Kayla McBride suffered a torn right quad during practice with Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, putting her start to the season in doubt.

The team said she began treatment in Turkey, and The Athletic reported that her recovery could take four to six months, possibly pushing her return to late May.

Despite the injury concerns, Kayla McBride remains a key player for the Minnesota Lynx, who had a strong season last year, finishing 34–10 and securing the top seed in both the Western Conference and the league.

Kayla McBride has been one of the WNBA’s most reliable two-way wings, earning two of her five All-Star selections in the last two seasons. In 2025, she led high-volume three-point shooters at 39.5% and has consistently played year-round, including stints with Unrivaled and Fenerbahçe.

So now, with the concern of more than one injury, do you think Kayla McBride can still perform at an All-Star level this season, or will she take time to get back?