At a Glance
- Napheesa Collier will undergo surgery on both ankles and miss 4-6 months, including the upcoming Unrivaled season.
- She sprained her right ankle in August against the Las Vegas Aces and later injured her left ankle in the WNBA semifinals vs Phoenix Mercury.
- Temi Fágbénlé will replace her on the Lunar Owls for the 2026 season.
- Why it matters: As the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and last season’s 3-on-3 MVP, Collier’s absence will impact both the Lynx and the Unrivaled league.
Napheesa Collier’s injury saga has left her sidelined for the foreseeable future, with surgery scheduled for both ankles. The procedure will keep her out for 4-6 months, ruling her out of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 season that begins Monday.
Surgery Decision
Collier will undergo surgery on both ankles, a joint decision by the medical team overseeing Unrivaled. The operation will sideline her for 4-6 months, including the league’s second season.
Injury History
She sprained her right ankle during an August game against the Las Vegas Aces and missed several weeks. Later, she hurt her left ankle in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury.
| Event | Month | Ankle |
|---|---|---|
| Right ankle sprain | August | Right |
| Left ankle injury | WNBA semifinals | Left |
Replacement on Lunar Owls
Temi Fágbénlé will take Collier’s spot on the Lunar Owls for the 2026 season, stepping into the role left vacant by the injury.
Key Takeaways
- Collier’s bilateral ankle surgery will sideline her for 4-6 months, including Unrivaled.
- She was the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and last season’s 3-on-3 MVP.
- Temi Fágbénlé will replace her on the Lunar Owls for 2026.
Collier’s recovery will be closely watched by fans of the Lynx and the growing Unrivaled league, as her return could shape the next chapter for both teams.
