![\"Kayla](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_kayla-mcbride-GettyImages-2238179813.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWNBA 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<\/p>\n
17:19 ET, 08 Apr 2026Updated 17:19 ET, 08 Apr 2026<\/p>\n
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Kayla McBride was playing overseas for Fenerbahce during the WNBA offseason(Image: Photo by Christian Petersen\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Kayla McBride suffered an unfortunate injury, which left her unable to fly.<\/p>\n
During the WNBA<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Now, her EuroLeague team has spoken out about the situation. “Kayla was really unfortunate,” Arzu \u00d6zyi\u011fit, Fenerbahce Women’s Basketball Team General Manager, said recently<\/a> via EuroLeague Women. The update comes after Minnesota Lynx<\/a> star Napheesa Collier was featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition.<\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE: Phil Mickelson behavior toward Masters locker room staff in parking lot after win said it all<\/a>READ MORE: Tiger Woods’ 4-word response to Vanessa Trump that’s left her furious<\/a><\/p>\n “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,” \u00d6zyi\u011fit continued.<\/p>\n “However, the tube did not work, and unfortunately, the problem in her ear continues, causing hearing loss. Because of this, she still cannot fly.” \u00d6zyi\u011fit added that, despite being grounded due to her ear issues, McBride has remained invested in the club’s success.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n 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)<\/p>\n \u00d6zyi\u011fit 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.<\/p>\n “Please, our fans should not misunderstand: Kayla really wants to be here but cannot at the moment,” \u00d6zyi\u011fit added.<\/p>\n “At one point, we even thought about bringing her by ship to avoid her having to fly.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n READ MORE: WNBA’s Angel Reese wows in next to nothing as she models for Victoria’s Secret<\/a>READ MORE: Sophie Cunningham and Napheesa Collier astound for SI Swimsuit in ’empowering’ moment<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Kayla](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_kayla-mcbrde-GettyImages-2263028660.jpg\")
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