Storm's Nika Muhl set for WNBA debut with visa approval

Seattle Storm rookie Nika Muhl has gotten the government go-ahead to finally make her WNBA debut.

It could come as early as Wednesday night when the Storm meet Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Clark's Iowa team beat Muhl's UConn squad in one semifinal of the NCAA Tournament in April.

Muhl wasn't granted her P-1 visa in time for the season opener. But the Croatian met with U.S. consul general Jim DeHart in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Tuesday to get the official OK.

She was able to practice with the Storm before her UConn graduation because she was still covered by her student visa.

"CG DeHart was glad to meet @WNBA star @MuhlNika today in Vancouver," read a social media post from the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver. "We look forward to seeing the @SeattleStorm vs @IndianaFever Wednesday. Including an exciting Women's Final Four rematch at the point guard position!"

CG DeHart was glad to meet @WNBA star @MuhlNika today in Vancouver. We look forward to seeing the @SeattleStorm vs @IndianaFever Wednesday. Including an exciting Women's Final Four rematch at the point guard position! pic.twitter.com/5QOiUwSImp

— USConsulateVancouver (@usconsvancouver) May 21, 2024

At UConn, Muhl was Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and '23, as well as a 2024 honorable mention All-American. She left UConn as the Huskies' all-time leader in career assists (686), single-season assists leader (284 in 2022-23) and single-game assists leader (15, vs. North Carolina State on Nov. 20, 2022).

In 39 games (all starts) in the 2023-24 season, she averaged 6.9 points and 6.8 assists per game.

The Storm selected Muhl 14th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

--Field Level Media