During her much-anticipated WNBA rookie debut, Phoenix Mercury guard Megan McConnell had to be carried off the court with devastating news awaiting her. The younger sister of Indiana Pacers guard TJ McConnell suffered a right knee injury in her first game, an 88-65 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, which will keep her sidelined for at least three to four weeks.

The Mercury confirmed that the 23-year-old didn't tear her ACL, which is a promising sign for the young athlete's eventual return this campaign. Phoenix signed McConnell just two days before to make up for the hits the team's lineup took due to multiple injuries.

Stars Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack saw major offseason signee Alyssa Thomas join them on the injury report due to a calf issue, creating a need for Phoenix to utilize the hardship contract option. The organization turned to McConnell, who went undrafted in 2025.

McConnell appeared in two preseason games for the Mercury for around ten minutes per game. She averaged 3.0 points while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. However, McConnell was one of Phoenix's final heartbreaking roster cuts before the regular season tipped off.

Article Continues Below
More Phoenix Mercury News
Phoenix Mercury player Megan McConnell poses for a photo during Media Day.
Mercury waives TJ McConnell’s sister Megan after injuryZachary Draves ·
DeWanna Bonner smiling in a Phoenix Mercury jersey, with question marks around her. There's also a background of the PHX arena and the Mercury logo
Why Mercury should explore DeWanna Bonner homecoming after Fever breakupHayden Cilley ·
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) dribbles against the Chicago Sky during the first quarter at Wintrust Arena
Why Kahleah Copper is comparing Mercury to Sky championship teamHayden Cilley ·
Kahleah Copper looking happy, and teammates Sami Whitcomb and Kalani Brown shooting balls of fire, and a background of the Sky's home arena.
Kahleah Copper gives Mercury teammates their flowers after breaking 3-point recordHayden Cilley ·
Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) reacts during the second half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.
Sami Whitcomb’s off-the-bench record powers Mercury past SkyJaren Kawada ·
Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld against the Golden State Valkyries during a preseason game at PHX Arena.
Mercury’s Kathryn Westbeld reflects on rematch with sister Maddy before facing SkyJess Koffie ·

Before going down in the Lynx defeat, McConnell put up three points, three assists, one rebound, and a steal in 13 minutes with 50% shooting from 3-point range. Before joining the Mercury, the 23-year-old made a name for herself in five standout years at Duquesne, averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 boards, and 4.6 assists per contest.

McConnell also stands out for being one-half of a rare NBA-WNBA, brother-sister duo. Older sibling TJ even rocked his sister's jersey to Game 1 of the Pacers' NBA Finals showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Megan, likewise, wore her big brother's jersey to her first Mercury game on the same night, showing their true sibling bond and solidarity.