Napheesa Collier has been a busy person in the WNBA offseason. Taking public shots at commissioner Cathy Engelbert, it was the Lynx star who initially drew first blood for the pay equity protest. As days went by without a solution, Collier did consider about a work stoppage. But now, as the new CBA is in effect, things are settling down fine within the WNBA.
Aiming for a championship run this year, the Minnesota Lynx extended a $1.4 million supermax contract to the 29-year-old. Unfortunately, suffering from injury, the team might not have the services of their star acquisition right from the beginning.
When Will Napheesa Collier Return To The Minnesota Lynx Lineup?
Last year, Minnesota fell 3-1 to the Phoenix Mercury to bow out of the league. But this year, Cheryl Reeve and her team will be eager to undo last season’s mistakes. And one of the biggest factors that would help the team achieve its goal was the 5-time WNBA champion. But as of now, her ankle injury means that Reeve will have to do without her in the first month.
“Napheesa Collier is expected to return to on-court basketball activities in early June, the Minnesota Lynx announced. She underwent surgery on her left ankle on March 24 after having surgery on her right ankle in early January,” wrote Alexa Phillippou on X.
Napheesa Collier is expected to return to on-court basketball activities in early June, the Minnesota Lynx announce.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 21, 2026
She underwent surgery on her left ankle on March 24 after having surgery on her right ankle in early January.
Further updates on her progress will be provided…
Playing against Phoenix last year, the 2025 WNBA All-Star game MVP suffered a brutal injury to her ankle. Getting her surgery done early on this year, the star player still seems to be struggling with her recovery. This was also the reason why the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year remained tight-lipped about her return earlier.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Now then, with Collier out of the equation temporarily, here’s how Reeve might want to go in the initial stages.
How Will Minnesota Lynx Shape Up Without Napheesa Collier?
During the offseason, the team lost some of its pivotal players. The likes of Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, and Dijonai Carrington left to join other franchises. Thankfully, the front office did manage to sign Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams. But the biggest highlight of the season was undoubtedly Olivia Miles.
With Miles in the team, the Lynx’s starting five suddenly looks stacked. Even without Collier. Starting with Williams will be Miles, McBride, Natasha Howard, and Dorka Juhasz. Thus, with a lot of positives coming up, fans will eagerly wait for Minnesota’s star player to come back soon.