Kayla McBride and the Minnesota Lynx saw their 2026 WNBA season come to an end on Tuesday, falling to Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Libert 2-0 after an 87-71 Game 2 loss. Now, the Lynx enter the offseason with many questions after the first-round exit, including Napheesa Collier, who becomes an unrestricted free agent.
McBride was one of the best players for Minnesota this season, and since 2021,helping her team secure the No. 1 seed. The former Las Vegas Aces and San Antonio Stars guard averaged 17.6 points on 45.7% shooting, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists, playing in all 44 games for the Lynx.
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But with McBride, 34, finishing her 13th season in the WNBA, some thought McBride could be considering retirement despite having one year left. on her two-year, $2,439,500 contract.
But despite the rumors, it seems McBride will be returning to the Lynx to finish out her contract in 2027, which would mark her 14th season in the WNBA. And in an interview following Minnesota’s elimination, McBride confirmed that, choosing not to retire.
“I live here now, so yeah,” McBride said. “Obviously I appreciate the question and the concern but I still have a lot more to give between those four lines, and im exited for it, I’m not going anywhere.”
Not playing with Turkey’s Fenerbahce over the offseason, McBride also revealed that she will be focusing on rest and recovery this offseason after playing every game in 2026.
“Giving time to rest and recover, 44 games, 46 games is a lot of games,” McBride added. “Getting back in the gym, there’s things I want to work on… and then passing out Halloween candy, hosting thanksgiving. I’m very domesticated in that way.”
While the Lynx are heading home, the Liberty have advanced to the semifinals, where they will face the Atlanta Dream, beginning with Game 1 on Sunday.
