Former Atlanta Dream center Breonna Jones has sustained a significant knee injury while playing overseas, putting her readiness for the start of the 2026 WNBA season at risk. The 30-year-old athlete tore her meniscus during a game with USK Prague in the Czech Republic in early February, as reported by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. Although Jones is expected to recover in time for the season opener on May 8, her full return depends on how well her rehabilitation progresses in the coming months.
This marks Jones’ second major foot injury in four years, following a torn Achilles tendon in 2023 that limited her to just 13 games last WNBA season. She has now returned to the U.S. and is scheduled for surgery. As the 2025 EuroLeague Women’s Finals MVP, Jones will miss the remainder of the season with USK Prague to focus on preparing for the upcoming WNBA campaign.
Jones played for the Dream in 2025 and is currently a free agent. Many WNBA players are holding off on signing new contracts, anticipating a new collective bargaining agreement that could lead to salary increases. If the agreement passes, Jones is expected to re-sign with Atlanta, which aims to retain several key free agents including Jones, Alisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Jordyn Canada. At present, the Dream have only Tehina Paopao and Taylor Thierry under contract.
Prior to joining Atlanta in 2025, Jones spent eight seasons with the Connecticut Sun. She has been an All-Star five times, including every year from 2021 onward except the injury-shortened 2023 season.
Fan Take: Breonna Jones’ injury is a significant setback, but her potential return could be pivotal for the Dream’s success next season. For WNBA fans, this situation highlights the physical toll elite players endure and underscores the importance of strong player support and contract negotiations to build a more sustainable and competitive league.
