Kyrie Irving has confirmed he will sit out the entire 2025-26 NBA season, issuing a ‘no fear’ statement after affirming his decision to focus on recovery from a torn ACL.
The Dallas Mavericks guard suffered a significant injury late in the 2024-25 campaign, and with rehabilitation ongoing, Irving has opted against returning this season.
Irving’s message thanked supporters and reinforced his determination to come back stronger in the future.
Kyrie Irving confirms decision to miss 2025-26 season
The announcement came via a social media statement shared by Tim MacMahon on X, posting Irving’s full message on Wednesday.
“This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one. I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process.
“I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows,” the Mavericks star said.
Irving’s choice follows a torn left ACL sustained in March 2025 against the Sacramento Kings, which required surgery and ended his 2024-25 season prematurely.
ACL injuries typically entail lengthy rehabilitation, and while Irving had been progressing in recovery, recent developments suggest he and the Mavericks prefer to prioritise long-term health rather than rushing a midseason return.
Irving sends a support message to fellow injured athletes
Beyond confirming his absence for the season, Irving also reached out to others facing similar challenges.
His second message struck a reflective tone, acknowledging the broader community of athletes dealing with serious injuries.
“And I wanted to send a huge shoutout to all of my brothers and sisters out there who’ve torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love to do every day. Thank you for the inspiration. No fear!” Irving added.
That sentiment highlights the mental and emotional battle that accompanies physical recovery. For a player whose game relies on agility and craft, an ACL tear represents both a physical hurdle and psychological test.
Irving’s focus now turns fully to healing and preparation for the 2026-27 season, with the hope of returning to peak form once medically cleared.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
