Why is Nika Muhl not playing tonight vs Liberty? Storm guard’s status explored (May 20)

While the top rookies have already shown their stuff in the 2024 WNBA season, Nika Muhl remains sidelined due to visa issues. The former UConn star was picked No. 14 by the Seattle Storm but has yet to make her regular season debut. She did come off the bench in her team’s preseason game against the Phoenix Mercury but is ineligible for official games.

Muhl was coveted by the Storm for her work on the defensive end during her days with the Huskies. She was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023. What she brings to the floor will remain under wraps until her off-court issue is resolved.

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What happened to Nika Muhl?

Nika Muhl is Croatian and did not arrive in the U.S. until her recruitment with UConn was complete. During her stint under coach Geno Auriemma, she played under a student visa. It was the same visa that allowed her to play the exhibition game versus the Phoenix Mercury. The same cannot be used while playing for the Seattle Storm as a pro athlete.

Muhl was supposed to make her debut on May 14 against the Minnesota Lynx. The Storm was so thrilled about the event that the team hyped up the date on X, formerly Twitter. It turned out to be a blunder as she couldn’t get on the court pending approval of a new visa.

When Nika Muhl made the roster a week before the season started, Storm coach Noelle Quinn told the media about the rookie’s impact. Quinn doesn’t look at her as a rookie due to her “voice” at the point guard spot and her consistency. Many are impatient to see what Quinn meant with her comments.

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Nika Muhl vs Sabrina Ionescu would have been a blast

The Seattle Storm has two veteran guards who will get a lion’s share of the minutes. Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith will be relied on to try and pull an upset against the New York Liberty. Muhl, however, would have likely gotten some action guarding Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu.

Ionescu is one of the WNBA’s deadliest shooters and smartest playmakers so having Muhl shadow her would have been a no-brainer. The Croat’s defensive skills would be put to a severe test against New York’s two-time All-Star. Unfortunately, the fans would have to wait for another date to see that due to Muhl’s visa concerns.

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