WNBA injury report: When is Napheesa Collier back? Minnesota Lynx star’s tough start to 2026 amid major ankle surgery setback

Napheesa Collier is not having the best start to the new year. The Minnesota Lynx star will miss the 2026 season and might perhaps miss the beginning of the WNBA season. This is because, according to the organization's announcement on Thursday morning, she will have surgery on both of her ankles and be out for four to six months.

The Lynx's attempt to make a comeback to the WNBA Finals following their five-game loss to the Liberty in 2024 was likewise thwarted by the injuries. This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Collier was sidelined for three weeks after spraining her right ankle during a game against the Aces on August 2.

What Napheesa Collier’s ankle surgery means for her return timeline and the Lynx?

The Lynx might start the 2026 season without their greatest player because the WNBA's season schedule hasn't been made public yet and it starts in May. According to ESPN, Dr. Martin O'Malley will perform the procedure in New York City sometime during the first week of January.

Before finishing second to A'ja Wilson for the second consecutive season, the five-time All-Star suffered multiple ankle problems during the WNBA season. Collier will require surgery on both ankles, which is anticipated to keep her out of action for four to six months.

Collier wrote in an Instagram post:

"I am heartbroken to share that I will miss this Unrivaled season.. 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."






Collier expressed optimism in her capacity to be well by the beginning of Unrivaled's second season during a virtual press conference in December. She stated that she was "still working to get back to 100 percent" by January and that surgery was not necessary.

Meanwhile, the Lynx were defeated in four games and saw Phoenix secure their place in the Finals after starting the postseason as the top seed in the WNBA and outperforming every other team.

Napheesa Collier had an historic season previously

During the 2025 WNBA season, Collier sustained many ankle issues. She missed three weeks after suffering an ankle injury on August 2 during a 111-58 victory over the Las Vegas Aces. She ultimately missed 11 games, which affected the MVP contest.

With a 50% field goal percentage, 40% 3-point field goal percentage, and 90% free throw percentage, Collier concluded the regular season with an unprecedented 50-40-90 record. The only other WNBA player to accomplish the accomplishment is Elena Delle Donne.

She also had a successful career year in the WNBA despite all of the injuries. She had a 40 percent shooting percentage from outside the arc and scored 22.9 points per game on 53 percent shooting from the field.


Also read: Breanna Stewart vs Napheesa Collier: 2025-26 WNBA salary comparison, contract details, net worth and more