Napheesa Collier underwent ankle surgery on March 24 and will miss the start of the 2026 WNBA season. Her expected return is in early June, sidelining her for all May games, including the season opener.
Key points
Napheesa Collier had ankle surgery on March 24.
She will miss the start of the 2026 WNBA season.
Collier's rehab is progressing as expected.
She is projected to return in early June.
Collier will miss all May games, including the season opener.
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.
2026: Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings (Connecticut)
2025: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings (Connecticut)
2024: Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever (Iowa)
Q&A
What type of surgery did Napheesa Collier have?
Napheesa Collier had surgery on her left ankle.
When is Napheesa Collier expected to return to play?
Collier is projected to return in early June 2026.
How many games will Collier miss at the start of the 2026 WNBA season?
Collier will miss all eight scheduled games in May, including the season opener.
What injuries led to Collier's ankle surgery?
Collier required surgery on both ankles after suffering multiple injuries during the 2025 WNBA season.
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"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.
