Olivia Miles Joins Minnesota Lynx as Kelsey Plum’s Ankle Injury Looms Over Sparks

The WNBA’s early-season narrative shifted Tuesday as former college star Olivia Miles officially joined the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum was sidelined with a significant ankle injury. With the league in its formative weeks, these developments—paired with a packed slate of upcoming games—highlight both the promise and fragility of the 2026 season.

Olivia Miles: From Notre Dame to Minnesota’s "Home"

The Lynx’s acquisition of No. 2 overall pick Olivia Miles has already sparked intrigue. The 23-year-old point guard, who transferred from Notre Dame to TCU last year for a fresh start, has now joined the Lynx, where she looks to make an impact. Miles has embraced her WNBA debut with the Lynx, calling Minneapolis “home” due to its proximity to her Notre Dame roots.

Miles’ decision to leave South Bend underscored her pursuit of growth. Now with the Lynx, she aims to contribute to a team eager to build around youth.

Plum’s Absence: A Staggering Blow for the Sparks

The most immediate concern for the Los Angeles Sparks came Tuesday, when four-time All-Star Kelsey Plum was ruled out for at least a week with an ankle sprain. Plum, who leads the league in scoring, will miss three games against the Mystics, Sun, and Aces. Her injury not only weakens the Sparks’ offensive firepower but also disrupts their rhythm, as the team struggles to replace her playmaking and clutch scoring.

Social media has erupted with support for the franchise cornerstone, with fans calling her absence “a huge blow” to both the team and the league’s competitive balance.

What’s Next: A Critical Week for the WNBA

With Plum sidelined and Miles settling into her new role, the coming days will test the mettle of both teams. The Lynx face a challenging matchup against the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday (9:00 PM EDT), where Miles’ leadership will be put to the test. Meanwhile, the Sparks must rely on bench contributions to stay afloat in a brutal stretch that includes games against the Sun and Aces.

The broader WNBA will also watch how these developments ripple across the league. Plum’s injury could shift MVP conversations, while Miles’ adjustment period will shape Minnesota’s ceiling. As the season progresses, these stories—of transition and adversity—will define the 2026 campaign.

Upcoming Games (May 27): - Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty (7:00 PM EDT) - Toronto Tempo vs. Chicago Sky (8:00 PM EDT) - Atlanta Dream vs. Minnesota Lynx (9:00 PM EDT) - Connecticut Sun vs. Portland Fire (10:00 PM EDT)

The WNBA’s early narrative is already taking shape: a mix of rising stars, lingering injuries, and the relentless grind of a 36-game season. For now, the spotlight remains on Plum’s recovery and Miles’ debut, two threads that could weave the league’s next chapter.