Paige Bueckers and Nika Mühl came to UConn together in 2020 and dominated the court for 4 years. “Twin,” “best friend,” and “sister,” the dynamic has been evident. Even as the 2021 NPOY got inducted into the UConn’s “Huskies of Honor,” Muhl was right there, courtside to cheer her on. Interestingly, on the side, she had her own feat brewing after a disappointing news that her way entering off season. That’s two best friends walking the path of glory but unfortunately, one’s, the W fans are yet to realise. 

Earlier this week, $2.76 Billion-valued Under Armor announced they had a new athlete on the roster– Seattle Storm 2024 draftee Nika Muhl had signed a multi-year agreement. This means the Croatian playmaker will be seen donning the UA and Curry Brand basketball when she returns to the WNBA for her sophomore season. Just the boast for the player recovering from injury that is likely to disrupt her next year in the W.

Mühl spoke of the collaboration with excitement. “The team behind the Under Armor brand is incredible. They’re so innovative, creative and just relentless at what they do, and I align with that so much. Having grown up watching their athletes, I have seen how they really invest in them, letting them have their own vision but also helping them to grow and support their work”.

Her first WNBA off season did not start well for Nika Muhl. In her first game overseas playing for Besiktas, the Storm guard fell awkwardly while grabbing a rebound. She went down screaming in pain and was taken off the court on a stretcher. Hours later it was revealed that Muhl had suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in her left knee. “If [I know] anything about Nika, I know that she’ll crush it and that she’ll just want to destroy the entire rehab and coming back process,” Bueckers had said following the news.

While we wouldn’t doubt the UConn standout on that, it is a harsh truth that Muhl could miss the entire 2025 WNBA season. Nevertheless, the Under Armour partnership gives the guard a chance to maintain her presence in basketball while she recuperates. From a career perspective, this is a major endorsement for her as she looks to recover from her injury. But not everyone was well receptive of the announcement.

Nika Muhl’s rise arrives as news to many

When Sole Retriever announced, “Under Armour announces the signing of Croatian WNBA star Nika Mühl to an endorsement deal ,” on X, there was one word fans couldn’t resonate with– star.

“Star” is carrying a heavy load in that statement,” one fan opined. The Seattle Storm guard didn’t exactly have the most glorious start to her WNBA career. A no.14 overall pick, Muhl saw an average of 3.9 points in her first year and scored her first-career WNBA points only in the last game of the regular season.

With 2 total points and 10 rebounds through 16 games, fans just couldn’t hop on the hype. “I just become aware of Nika Muhl,” added another. Moreover, her 2025 season facing the threat of going unplayed isn’t helping the case. 

““Star” bro she got like 5 minutes the whole year chill” came another response. For W fans, she is sure an entity unexplored. But college basketball enthusiasts have watched the guard in her glory. She finished her collegiate run at UConn with 686 career assists, as the school’s all-time leading assist-maker, and holding the single-season assist record, with 284 set in 2023. In addition, she wasnamed the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024. 

But a lot of it has failed to translate, prompting, a “Who?” 

For Under Armour’s Senior Vice President of Global Sports Marketing, Sean Eggert, however, Nika, was a talent worth investing in as they explore women’s basketball landscape. “Her incredible talent, dynamic personality and distinctive style make her the perfect addition to our roster. Nika’s partnership with Under Armour underscores our continued commitment to investing in women’s basketball and supporting athletes who are not only reshaping the game but also inspiring the next generation,” he said.

Apart from UConn and W, Muhl has significantly contributed to Croatian national team, averaging 10.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 4 youth teams. But certainly, the guard is yet to find her footing in the women’s league. For now, we still have fans going, “What team she play for??” 

There’s gap to be filled and with deals surrounding the likes Under Armour, it might just serve the purpose. As Mühl recovers and ramps up for a WNBA return, it will be interesting to see how she harnesses this endorsement deal to build her brand.