What Happened to Napheesa Collier?
Napheesa Collier is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA, known for her versatile play as a power forward. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and multiple All-WNBA selection, she recently returned to play on July 22, 2026, after recovering from off-season ankle surgeries. Beyond the court, Collier is also a co-founder of the Unrivaled 3x3 basketball league.
Quick Answer
Napheesa Collier, a star forward for the Minnesota Lynx and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is making her highly anticipated 2026 season debut on July 22, 2026, against the Seattle Storm. She missed the first 27 games of the season recovering from off-season surgeries on both ankles, sustained during the 2025 WNBA semifinals. Collier, who was the MVP runner-up in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, is expected to play under a minutes restriction as she eases back into action.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier was selected as the 6th overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx after a stellar collegiate career at UConn.
WNBA Rookie of the Year
Collier made an immediate impact, earning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and being named to the All-Rookie Team.
Engaged to Alex Bazzell
Collier got engaged to her long-time partner and basketball trainer, Alex Bazzell.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medal
Collier won her first Olympic gold medal with the USA Women's National Team at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Welcomes Daughter Mila
Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell welcomed their daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell. Collier took maternity leave for most of the 2022 WNBA season.
Marries Alex Bazzell
Collier officially married Alex Bazzell, her long-time partner and father of her daughter.
Co-founds Unrivaled League
Alongside Breanna Stewart, Collier co-founded Unrivaled, a 3x3 basketball league aimed at revolutionizing women's sports.
WNBA Defensive Player of the Year & Commissioner's Cup Champion
Collier had an outstanding season, earning Defensive Player of the Year, All-WNBA First Team, and leading the Lynx to a Commissioner's Cup title and MVP award. She was also an MVP runner-up.
Paris 2024 Olympic Gold Medal
Collier secured her second Olympic gold medal with the USA Women's National Team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
MVP Runner-Up & All-Star Game MVP
For the second consecutive season, Collier was an MVP runner-up, averaging 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. She also earned WNBA All-Star Game MVP honors.
Ankle Injury in Playoffs
Collier suffered a significant ankle injury during Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, forcing her to miss the decisive Game 4.
Double Ankle Surgery
Following her playoff injury, Collier underwent off-season surgery on both of her ankles, leading to a lengthy recovery period.
Signs One-Year Supermax Contract
Collier signed a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract with the Minnesota Lynx, setting her up for unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season.
2026 Season Debut
After missing the first 27 games due to ankle surgeries, Napheesa Collier is available to make her 2026 season debut for the Minnesota Lynx against the Seattle Storm, albeit on a minutes restriction.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Napheesa Collier has established herself as one of the WNBA's premier talents since being drafted sixth overall by the Minnesota Lynx in 2019. Her career has been marked by consistent high-level performance, earning her Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 and multiple All-WNBA and All-Defensive team selections. She has also achieved significant international success, securing gold medals with the USA Women's National Team at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The 2024 and 2025 seasons were particularly standout years for Collier. In 2024, she was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and was an MVP runner-up, also leading the Lynx to a Commissioner's Cup championship where she earned MVP honors. Her dominance continued into 2025, where she was again an MVP runner-up, averaging an impressive 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. She also made history by becoming the first player to average 20+ points while shooting over 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line in a single season. Her exceptional play earned her a WNBA All-Star Game MVP award in 2025.
However, the end of the 2025 season brought a significant challenge. Collier suffered an ankle injury during the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, which forced her to miss a decisive Game 4. This injury necessitated off-season surgery on both of her ankles, leading her to miss the first 27 games of the 2026 WNBA season. Despite her absence, the Minnesota Lynx have performed exceptionally well, holding the WNBA's best record at 21-6 as of July 22, 2026.
As of July 22, 2026, Collier is making her highly anticipated return to the court, listed as available for her 2026 season debut against the Seattle Storm. Head coach Cheryl Reeve has indicated she will be on a minutes restriction, with expectations tempered as she fully recovers. This return is crucial for Collier, as she is playing on a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract and is set to enter unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season.
Off the court, Collier has also made significant strides as an entrepreneur. In 2023, she co-founded the Unrivaled 3x3 basketball league alongside fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart, aiming to revolutionize women's sports. She is also a vice president on the Women's National Basketball Players Association executive committee. Married to Alex Bazzell since 2022, they have a daughter, Mila, born in May 2022, with Collier often highlighting the synergy between her family life and elite athletic career.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Napheesa Collier made different choices?