What happened to Chennedy Carter? Free agent drops injury bombshell from Wuhan.

Washington Mystics v Chicago Sky – Source: Getty

During the WNBA offseason, many players travel overseas to suit up for other professional leagues to maximize their earning potential. This is especially true for free agent guard Chennedy Carter, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2024.

One fear among players who play in the offseason is extensive injuries that could affect their WNBA season. Unfortunately for Carter, that fear came true on Friday night. During a game in Wuhan, China, against the Henan Phoenix, Carter received a shoulder to the chest, forcing the former Chicago Sky star to be hospitalized.

“After the game last night, Chennedy Carter experienced rib pain and difficulty breathing. A post-game examination at the hospital confirmed a sternum contusion. Carter will be placed on the team’s daily observation list,” the Wuhan Shengfan said on Saturday.

Carter was attempting to cut off a drive on the defensive end and made contact with the offensive player, who was looking to drive into the paint. A travel was called on the offensive player, but it was unclear if Carter exited the game with her injury.

Wuhan beat Henan 78-75. In their earlier game on Thursday, an 86-73 win over the Phoenix, Carter had dropped 40 points, as well as nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

Chennedy Carter shares clip capturing exact moment of injury

Chennedy Carter kept fans updated on Saturday, sharing a video of the exact moment she was injured on the court. Carter took to Instagram to share the clip on her story.

“Game-winning play on the defensive end and also this was the play when I got hit,” she wrote.

Image Credits: Via @chennedycarter on Instagram

In the clip, Carter takes the hit and falls to the floor, but the offensive player is called for a travel, which sealed a win for Carter’s team. The WNBA star also posted an Instagram story from the hospital while being transported.

Image Credits: Via @chennedycarter on Instagram

A chest contusion is no small injury, especially for a basketball player. Carter felt a shortness of breath after the game, leading to her hospitalization. The average recovery time for a sternum contusion is four to six weeks.

Despite her injury, Chennedy Carter finished with a heroic 35 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and four steals, leading her Wuhan team to a 78-75 win following her game-sealing forced turnover.