Top WNBA draft pick suffers elbow injury days before 2026 season

TL;DR

Cotie McMahon, the top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, has suffered a partial UCL tear in her left elbow and will not start the season. The Washington Mystics announced she will be reevaluated in a week after receiving treatment.

Key points

Cotie McMahon suffers a partial UCL tear in her left elbow
Injury occurred during a preseason game against the Atlanta Dream
McMahon was the 11th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft
She averaged 19.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in her last college season
The Mystics will provide updates on her status after reevaluation

Mentioned in this story

Ole MissOhio State University

Cotie McMahonWashington MysticsAtlanta Dream2026 WNBA Draft

Washington Mystics forward Cotie McMahon won't start the 2026 WNBA season this weekend.

On Thursday, the Mystics announced McMahon suffered a partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in her left elbow on May 3 during a preseason matchup against the Atlanta Dream. It's unclear when McMahon may have been injured. She finished with 27 minutes of playing time, scoring nine points on 50% shooting and two steals.

McMahon will receive treatment on her elbow and is expected to be reevaluated within a week. The Mystics will provide updates on the forward's status at that time.

McMahon, who was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, started 36 games for the Ole Miss Rebels during the 2025-2026 season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. She also earned All-SEC First Team honors, was named to the SEC All-Tournament Team and was tapped as the SEC Newcomer of the Year.

Before her stint with the Rebels, McMahon spent three seasons at Ohio State University, where she started 97 games and averaged 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.