Star to miss Lynx's WNBL27 campaign

The Perth Lynx announced on Thursday that superstar guard Sami Whitcomb would not line up for the club during the WNBL27 Season.

Whitcomb has been forced to withdraw from the WNBL campaign, as well as the 2026 FIBA World Cup with the Opals, due to an ongoing knee injury.

This decision has been made with an eye on Whitcomb's long-term health.

"Sami's professionalism and selflessness throughout this process have been exemplary," a Lynx spokesperson said.

"By allowing the Lynx to build a roster around players who are fully available for the season, she is once again putting the team first.

"Sami remains an important part of the Perth Lynx family and we look forward to supporting her rehabilitation and welcoming her back when the time is right."

Whitcomb, 38, originally hurt her left knee during a Phoenix Mercury practice in May, before undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body, which delayed her 2026 WNBA debut to July 9.

Her withdrawal from the 2026-27 WNBL season leaves Ryan Petrik with Samantha Ashby, Alex Ciabattoni, Steph Gorman, Nya Lok, Anneli Maley, Teige Morrell and Haley Peters on his roster.

The Lynx open their season with a Grand Final replay with Townsville at the Perth High Performance Centre on October 17.