Former Arizona star Aari McDonald to miss beginning of WNBA season
Another setback for Arizona’s biggest female star
TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 21: Arizona Wildcats alumni Aari McDonald after a women's basketball game between the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks and the Arizona Wildcats on November 21, 2025, at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Don’t be surprised if former No. 3 draft pick and Arizona women’s basketball star Aari McDonald isn’t active on a WNBA roster when the season starts.
McDonald commented on social media this week that she would be playing in the 2026 season, but she would not be ready when it starts. McDonald has battled injuries several times since turning pro, but she has fought to return at each juncture. Last season, she went into the year without a team when the LA Sparks cut her in training camp.
She didn’t let it defeat her. McDonald kept ready and she was eventually added to the Indiana Fever when that team suffered multiple injuries. She earned a rest-of-season contract and became a fan favorite.
McDonald loved the team and the fans right back, commenting on how it was the happiest she’d been since joining the WNBA. Then, it went south again. McDonald was injured in a game against Phoenix in August.