Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier won't play when the 2026 WNBA season kicks off.On April 21, the Lynx announced that Collier had surgery on her left ankle on March 24. Minnesota says that Collier's rehab process is "progressing as expected" following the surgery. The current timeline for the Minnesota forward to return to the court is early June.
The team says it will provide further updates when they are available.In January, it was reported that Collier would need surgery on both ankles after suffering multiple injuries during the 2025 WNBA season. The surgeries were expected to sideline the Lynx forward for four to six months. This aligns with Minnesota's latest update provided on Tuesday.Based on the team's updated timeline, Collier is projected to miss the Lynx's preseason game slate and all eight of their scheduled matchups in May, including the 2026 season opener against the Atlanta Dream.Collier recently signed a one-year, $1.4 million supermax deal to remain in Minnesota.
Once the deal ends, the 29-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent again in 2027."I’m so focused on right now, with my injury and, this year, winning a championship. That is what I'm doing," Collier said about signing the one-year deal versus a longer agreement. "Getting back with our amazing staff. Playing with our amazing players and just focused on this year and winning.”When Collier returns to the court, she will help Minnesota continue its push to win the franchise's fifth overall championship and first since 2017.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will Napheesa Collier play again during the 2026 WNBA season?