Lynx star Napheesa Collier out until at least June after undergoing second ankle surgery

As expected, the Minnesota Lynx will begin their season without superstar Napheesa Collier.

The five-time All-Star underwent successful surgery on her left ankle on March 24 and is currently on track for a return to on-court activities in early June, the Lynx announced Tuesday. The news was revealed a week after Collier agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract to return to the Lynx.

A return on June 1 would cause Collier to miss eight games on the Lynx’s regular-season schedule. Minnesota then has seven Commissioner’s Cup games scheduled between June 1 and 17.

Collier entered this offseason expected to undergo surgery on both her ankles, which prevented her from playing any games in the Unrivaled league she co-founded. Per ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, she underwent surgery on her right ankle in early January, with the left ankle waiting until late March.

Between surgeries, Collier helped negotiate the WNBA CBA that made her seven-figure salary possible for 2026. That contract does come with some foreboding for the Lynx, though, as it will allow Collier to hit free agency next offseason unrestricted by the designation that kept her in Minnesota this time around.

It’s already been an eventful offseason for the Lynx, who have seen key contributors Alanna Smith and Bridget Carleton exit in free agency and through the expansion draft, respectively. They have, however, re-signed Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams, and also landed TCU star Olivia Miles with the No. 2 pick of the 2026 WNBA Draft.