Napheesa Collier has signed a one-year, $1.4 million super max contract with the Minnesota Lynx. The five-time WNBA All-Star returns after a record-breaking season, despite an ankle injury in the playoffs.
Key points
Napheesa Collier signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract
On Thursday, April 16, ESPN reported that the five-time WNBA All-Star signed a one-year, $1.4 million super max contract with the Lynx to remain in Minnesota, where she's spent the first seven years of her career.
Collier finished second in the MVP voting last season after becoming the second player in WNBA history to record a 50-40-90 year, finishing the regular season 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.
Collier set career-highs in points (22.9) and blocks (1.5) en route to leading Minnesota to a franchise-best 34-10 record. She was named to the All-WNBA and first-team All-Defensive last season. However, Collier's record-breaking season was cut short after she suffered a Grade 2 tear of three ankle ligaments and her shin muscle during a collision with Alyssa Thomas in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals.
Azzi Fudd of UConn arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Lauren Betts of UCLA.
Q&A
What is the value of Napheesa Collier's new contract with the Lynx?
Napheesa Collier's new contract with the Minnesota Lynx is worth $1.4 million for one year.
How did Napheesa Collier perform last season in the WNBA?
Last season, Collier finished second in MVP voting and recorded a 50-40-90 year, averaging 22.9 points and 1.5 blocks per game.
What injury did Napheesa Collier suffer during the playoffs?
Napheesa Collier suffered a Grade 2 tear of three ankle ligaments and her shin muscle during a collision in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals.
How long has Napheesa Collier been with the Minnesota Lynx?
Napheesa Collier has been with the Minnesota Lynx for the first seven years of her career.
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Awa Fam Thiam of Spain arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Madina Okot of Kenya arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Flau'jae Johnson of LSU arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Marta Suarez of Spain arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Olivia Miles of TCU arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Ta’Niya Latson of South Carolina arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Azzi Fudd of UConn arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
1 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Azzi Fudd of UConn arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
2 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Lauren Betts of UCLA.
3 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Awa Fam Thiam of Spain arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
4 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Madina Okot of Kenya arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
5 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Flau'jae Johnson of LSU arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
6 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Marta Suarez of Spain arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
7 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Olivia Miles of TCU arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
8 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
9 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Ta’Niya Latson of South Carolina arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
10 / 15
Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Hannah O'Flynn arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
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Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Luciana Kristen arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Courtney Williams arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Style takes center stage on the WNBA draft orange carpet
Brittney Elena arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Collier underwent offseason surgery on both of ankles in January, forcing her to miss the second season of Unrivaled, a 3x3 basketball league she founded with Breanna Stewart.
"I am heartbroken to share that I will miss this Unrivaled season," Collier wrote in an Instagram post in January. "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."
It's not clear if Collier will be on the court for the Lynx when the 2026 WNBA season tops off on May 8. ESPN initially reported that Collier would be sidelined 4-6 months, setting up possible return as early as next month or July at the latest.
Collier was invited to Team USA's training camp in Phoenix earlier this month, but she didn't participate. She was spotted wearing a boot on her ankle during Final Four weekend of the Women's NCAA Tournament.
