Lynx Star Collier Aiming for Early Return After Ankle Surgery

Collier signed a one-year supermax deal with Minnesota after finishing second in MVP voting last season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the movements and actions of a WNBA basketball player on the court, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant team colors representing the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces.Collier's recovery timeline will be closely watched as the Lynx aim to bounce back from an early playoff exit last season.Minneapolis Today

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who is recovering from offseason surgery on both ankles, says she's working to return to the court "soon." Collier, who finished second in last season's WNBA MVP race, recently signed a one-year, $1.4 million supermax deal with the Lynx and is focused on getting healthy and helping the team win a championship this year.

Why it matters

Collier's return is crucial for the Lynx, who lost several key players in free agency but are still expected to be a contender in the WNBA with Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams leading the way. Her recovery timeline will be closely watched as the Lynx aim to bounce back from an early playoff exit last season.

The details

Collier underwent surgery on both ankles in the offseason and is currently on crutches with a boot on her right ankle as she continues her recovery. She says she's working closely with the Lynx's medical staff to get back on the court "as fast as I can." The 25-year-old forward was "cored" by the Lynx last week, allowing the team to negotiate a new contract, which she opted to make a one-year deal to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

  • Collier underwent ankle surgery in the offseason.
  • Collier signed a one-year, $1.4 million supermax deal with the Lynx on April 16, 2026.

The players

Napheesa Collier

A star forward for the Minnesota Lynx who finished second in WNBA MVP voting last season. She recently signed a one-year supermax deal with the Lynx as she recovers from offseason ankle surgery.

A'Ja Wilson

The Las Vegas Aces star who won the 2025 WNBA MVP award, beating out Collier for the honor.

Kelsey Mitchell

The Indiana Fever guard who also signed a supermax deal this offseason under the new WNBA CBA.

Kayla McBride

A key returning player for the Lynx who made 40% of her 3-point attempts last season.

Courtney Williams

An All-Star guard who is also back with the Lynx this season after signing a new deal.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, I'm just working as fast as I can with my doctors and my [physical therapy] staff, just trying to get back on the court. But everything is going well, so you'll see me soon.”

— Napheesa Collier, Lynx Star

“I've been around her and I've been around her energy, but actually being on the court with her, it's a whole different feel. And I know once she really gets acclimated and comfortable, it's going to be a lot of fun to watch.”

— Kayla McBride, Lynx Guard

What’s next

The Lynx will continue monitoring Collier's recovery progress and provide updates on when she is expected to return to the court. Her availability will be crucial as the team looks to build on last season's early playoff exit.

The takeaway

Collier's return from ankle surgery is a top priority for the Lynx as they aim to contend for a WNBA championship this season. Her leadership and two-way play make her one of the league's elite players, and the Lynx will need her healthy if they want to make a deep playoff run.