WNBA star Kayla McBride was left ‘unable to fly’ after an unfortunate medical issue on a flight, with her eardrum being damaged, causing her to get surgery to insert a tube
17:19 ET, 08 Apr 2026Updated 17:19 ET, 08 Apr 2026
Kayla McBride was playing overseas for Fenerbahce during the WNBA offseason(Image: Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Kayla McBride suffered an unfortunate injury, which left her unable to fly.
During the WNBA offseason, the star was playing for Fenerbahce, and during a flight, her eardrum was damaged, causing her to get a procedure. It is not uncommon for WNBA players to play overseason during the offseason, though it is not common for people to suffer ear damage on flights.
Now, her EuroLeague team has spoken out about the situation. “Kayla was really unfortunate,” Arzu Özyiğit, Fenerbahce Women’s Basketball Team General Manager, said recently via EuroLeague Women. The update comes after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier was featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition.
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“When she went to the U.S., her eardrum was damaged on the plane, and a tube had to be inserted into one of her ears, which was done through surgery,” Özyiğit continued.
“However, the tube did not work, and unfortunately, the problem in her ear continues, causing hearing loss. Because of this, she still cannot fly.” Özyiğit added that, despite being grounded due to her ear issues, McBride has remained invested in the club’s success.
“She also made significant contributions in our previous cups,” the general manager continued. “Wouldn’t she want to be here for the championship game, for the EuroLeague Women game? Every player wants to be there for the most important moments; she is extremely upset that she cannot.”
McBride played for Fenerbahce during the EuroLeague season but has suffered a damaged eardrum during a flight(Image: Photo by David Pastor Andres/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Özyiğit also believed that fans should not direct their anger at McBride for being in Minnesota rather than with the team for the EuroLeague Final because of what has happened to her medically.
“Please, our fans should not misunderstand: Kayla really wants to be here but cannot at the moment,” Özyiğit added.
“At one point, we even thought about bringing her by ship to avoid her having to fly.
“We explored all options, but unfortunately, it didn’t work. We send her our best wishes for a speedy recovery. This was truly an unfortunate situation.”
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It remains to be seen how long McBride will be sidelined. When a person undergoes surgery for a ruptured eardrum, it could take anywhere between 10 days and two weeks to recover, meaning discomfort and side effects have dissipated, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
However, it could take at least three months for a person’s hearing to fully return to normal. Those who have undergone surgery are typically advised to avoid flying, swimming, and other strenuous activities during the recovery period.
This is not the first time McBride has suffered an injury during the WNBA offseason. In late January, the star was announced to have suffered a torn quad muscle in her right thigh, though she returned to play for Fenerbahce.
The 33-year-old is also one of the many free agents this season. The WNBA and its players recently agreed on a new CBA, which increased player salary exponentially, and considering McBride’s status as one of the deadliest 3-point shooters in the league, she is bound to command an impressive contract.