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Napheesa Collier to have ankle surgery, miss 2026 Unrivaled season
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- Napheesa Collier to have ankle surgery, miss 2026 Unrivaled season
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will miss the 2026 Unrivaled season and is in jeopardy of missing the start of the WNBA season as well.
ESPN reported Thursday morning that Collier needs surgery on both ankles, which is expected to sideline her for 4-6 months. After consultation with her medical staff, the WNBA All-Star is reportedly scheduled to have the procedure next week in New York.
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"I am heartbroken to share that I will miss this Unrivaled season," Collier wrote in an Instagram post . "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. I will still be cheering on my teammates every step of the way, and I will continue to work relentlessly with the rest of the players and our staff to push our sport forward and raise the bar for women's basketball."
Collier suffered multiple ankle injuries during the 2025 WNBA season. On August 2, she injured her ankle during a 111-58 win over the Las Vegas Aces and missed three weeks. She ended up missing 11 games, impacting the MVP race. Forward A'ja Wilson won with Collier finishing as runner-up.
Collier finished the regular season with an historic 50-40-90, with a 50% field goal percentage, 40% 3-point field goal percentage and 90% free throw percentage. Elena Delle Donne is the only other WNBA player to achieve the feat.
During Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury , Collier suffered a Grade 2 tear of three ankle ligaments and shin muscle after a collision with Alyssa Thomas .
"I did not need surgery," Collier said in December when asked about her offseason recovery during Unrivaled's media day. "I am still working to get back to a hundred percent, but I've been doing my rehab every day. It's gotten way, way better. So, I'm just taking it every day at a time, and I'm excited to get back out there."
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The Minnesota forward was also asked if she would be ready by January. She replied, "That's the goal," but did not elaborate further. With Collier out for the Unrivaled season, Golden State forward signed Temi Fagbenle , who signed a multiyear contract with the league, will take her place on the Lunar Owls.
Unrivaled begins on January 5. The Lunar Owls play the Rose at 8 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Napheesa Collier to have ankle surgery, miss 2026 Unrivaled season
