Napheesa Collier, a key figure in women’s basketball and Minnesota Lynx standout, is set to miss the forthcoming Unrivaled basketball season. The 3-on-3 league announced that Collier will undergo surgeries on both of her ankles and is expected to be out of competition for four to six months, encompassing the entire season scheduled to commence shortly.
Having previously been engaged in rehabilitation for ankle injuries obtained during the WNBA campaign, Collier had expressed optimism last month about regaining full fitness to take part in the Unrivaled league’s second season. Nevertheless, after continued medical assessment, a joint decision involving her medical team has determined that surgical intervention on both ankles presents the most viable course of treatment for recovery.
In a personal statement shared via Instagram, Collier conveyed her disappointment regarding the setback. She stated, "I am heartbroken to share that I will miss this Unrivaled season. I have fought hard over the last few months to be back with my Lunar Owls and was devastated to be told by my team of doctors that surgery was the best path forward."
The 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year encountered a sprained right ankle sustained in a game against the Las Vegas Aces in August, which led to her missing multiple matches. Subsequently, during the third game of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, she incurred an injury to her left ankle, compounding her challenges throughout the postseason.
The Unrivaled league, co-founded by Collier alongside fellow WNBA luminary Breanna Stewart, emphasized that a collaborative medical team reached consensus on the necessity for surgeries on both ankles. Collier had most recently earned recognition as the league’s Most Valuable Player in its inaugural season.
Despite the forced hiatus, Collier is committed to supporting her team and the league from the sidelines. She pledged, "I will still be cheering on my teammates every step of the way, and I will continue to work relentlessly to push our sport forward and raise the bar for women’s basketball. I will be back at full strength as soon as possible and ready to continue where I left off."
In response to Collier’s absence, Temi Fágbénlé will step in as her replacement on the Lunar Owls roster for the 2026 season, ensuring the team remains competitive in the player’s absence.