Napheesa Collier to Miss WNBA Season Until June

Napheesa Collier, the Minnesota Lynx forward and five-time WNBA All-Star, is set to miss the upcoming months as she recovers from successful surgery on her left ankle. The team announced on Tuesday that Collier will be out until at least June, following a procedure she underwent on March 24. According to the Lynx's statement, her rehabilitation is progressing as expected, giving fans hope for her return.

Collier's ankle issues have been a recurring theme throughout her career, particularly during the 2025 WNBA season. She suffered a right ankle sprain during a game against the Las Vegas Aces on August 2, but managed to return to the court by August 24. Despite her injury, she continued to play for the remainder of the season. However, her troubles escalated when she injured her left ankle in the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury on September 27. After a collision with Alyssa Thomas, Collier was seen clutching her ankle and was unable to finish the game. Subsequent medical evaluations revealed that she had torn three ligaments in her ankle and a muscle in her shin.

Initially, Collier believed that surgery would not be necessary, but her condition worsened, leading to multiple procedures to repair the damage. The timeline for her recovery suggests a return in June, which aligns with the expected four-to-six-month rehabilitation period.

In a significant move for her career, Collier re-signed with the Lynx on a one-year, $1.4 million supermax deal, confirming her commitment to the team that drafted her sixth overall in 2019. Her presence on the team has been invaluable, and she is also known for her role as a co-founder of the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, alongside Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty. Unfortunately, her injury will prevent her from participating in the league's second season, which is a disappointment for both her and the league's fans.

When healthy, Collier has showcased her talent with teams like the Lunar Owls BC and was recognized as the inaugural Unrivaled MVP in 2025. As she embarks on her recovery journey, fans and teammates alike are hopeful for her swift return to the court, where her skills and leadership are sorely missed.