After a standout 2024 season and helping the Minnesota Lynx reach the WNBA Finals, Lynx guard Kayla McBride reflects on the past year and looks ahead to what promises to be an unforgettable 2025.
McBride, now an 11-year WNBA veteran, has seen and experienced a lot throughout her basketball career, from high school to college and the pros. Yet, her 2024 season with the Lynx brought something new — a season and team dynamic unlike anything she’d encountered before.
Wrapping up her fourth season with Minnesota, McBride says she’s never been part of a team quite like this one, even though the journey ended just shy of a WNBA title.
> “It was one of my favorite seasons thus far as a pro,” McBride shared on the Hitting the Hardwood Podcast. “It was just a special time for Minnesota basketball.”
While the final outcome wasn’t what she or her teammates had hoped for, 2024 remains unforgettable — and the upcoming offseason holds even more unique experiences for the Lynx star.
Since signing with the Lynx as a free agent in 2021, McBride has thrived in Minnesota, embracing the culture and finding success both on and off the court.
> “I’m just really proud to say that I was a part of that team. It’s something you always remember.” — Kayla McBride
At 32, McBride enjoyed one of the best seasons of her career in 2024. She credits the team’s natural chemistry and mutual trust as key factors.
> “Where everybody was in their own personal journey, it just meshed very well,” McBride said. “We all relied on each other to just be ourselves, and it was so organic… It just ended up working out perfectly.”
McBride posted her best numbers since 2018, averaging 15.0 points, 3.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals over 31.7 minutes in 39 games. She shot 42.0% from the field, 40.7% from three, and 89.3% from the free throw line.
Her contributions were crucial to the Lynx’s remarkable run to the WNBA Finals, their first appearance since 2017. Although they fell short of the championship, McBride cherishes the season and the bonds formed with her teammates.
> “Our group is so special, from top to bottom… We just did it the basic, organic way for each other. That’s the biggest thing I took away from it,” McBride said. “I missed my teammates when the season was over… That is something that you always carry with you.”
Staying Home This Offseason
Traditionally, McBride heads overseas as soon as the WNBA season wraps up. However, this year was different — she decided to stay home.
> “It was an adjustment, I’m not going to lie. I’m used to a routine and schedule of going [overseas] and playing,” she admitted. “I genuinely do love playing basketball… but it didn’t take me long to adjust.”
Dtaying in the U.S. gave McBride time to relax and enjoy life outside of basketball.
> “Having this break, it’s been great. I got to host my first Thanksgiving, I got to hand out Halloween candy, I got settled into my new house… I just get to enjoy the everyday slow life,” McBride said. “I may be addicted now, I don’t know if I’ll ever go back [overseas].”
Despite the break, McBride isn’t stepping away from the game. She’ll be back on the court in a few weeks, feeling refreshed and ready.
> “Once I finally sat down and reflected a little bit, I was really glad I stayed back… I have some big things coming up in January too, so I just wanted to take some time to reset. … I feel great. I feel rested for the first time — I didn’t even know what that felt like.”
Being Part of Unrivaled
In January, McBride will participate in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a groundbreaking 3-on-3 league featuring 36 WNBA players, including several of her Lynx teammates.
> “Just to be part of the inaugural 36 players is really, really cool… It’s just a long time coming for women’s basketball,” McBride shared. “To say you’re part of this blazing of the trail for the next generation, it’s really cool.”
Unrivaled, founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, will feature six teams of six players each, with games airing nationally on TNT or truTV starting January 17 in Miami.
> “I’m super proud of Phee and [Stewart] for having this idea and bringing us into it. Where women’s basketball is right now, it’s the perfect time to continue to build onto our exposure,” McBride said.
She will play for the Laces team, alongside Lynx teammate Courtney Williams, while Collier will play for the Lunar Owls.
> “I still get to play with Courtney and against Phee. But just getting to dive into something and play against some of the best players in the world in the offseason… it’s really dope.”
For McBride, staying home and playing in Unrivaled marks another step forward for women’s basketball, offering more offseason opportunities for players.
> “It’s really special for me specifically because… you either went overseas or you stayed home and just worked out,” McBride said. “Now to be a part of all these different options that women get to have… it’s groundbreaking.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Though she’s focused on the offseason and Unrivaled, McBride is already looking forward to the 2025 WNBA season with the Lynx.
> “We just want people who want to be here and want to help us win a championship. That’s all it is,” McBride said. “I think we have a strong foundation in who we are and what we built last year… We want people to come in and help us get over the mountaintop.”
Listen to the Full Podcast
Hear McBride’s full interview on the Hitting the Hardwood podcast, where she discusses the Lynx’s 2024 season, her offseason experience, the upcoming Unrivaled season, and her hopes for 2025.
