Napheesa Collier is returning to the Minnesota Lynx on a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract for the 2026 WNBA season, sources confirmed to ESPN. The deal makes her the third player in league history to sign a supermax agreement under the new collective bargaining agreement, joining A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever.
The Lynx had previously issued Collier a core qualifying offer, which granted them exclusive negotiating rights and ensured she would be eligible for the supermax salary. By opting for a one-year deal, Collier will grow an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season and will not be subject to the franchise-tag-like core designation in 2027.
Collier, who turned 29 during the 2025 offseason, finished second in MVP voting for the second consecutive year after averaging 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. She became only the second player in WNBA history to achieve a 50-40-90 shooting split, connecting on 53.1% of her field goals, 40.3% from three-point range, and 90.6% of her free throws even as averaging over 20 points per game.
Her 2025 season was hampered by injuries, as she missed seven games in August due to a right ankle injury and later sustained a left ankle injury in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury. The Lynx, despite holding the best regular-season record, lost the semifinal series in five games.
In January 2026, Collier underwent surgery on both ankles, with Unrivaled reporting she would be sidelined for four to six months. Her return to Minnesota ensures the Lynx retain their leading scorer and emotional leader after a significant roster turnover.
During the offseason, the Lynx lost several key contributors: Bridget Carleton was selected by the Portland Fire in the expansion draft, while Natisha Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard, Alanna Smith, and DiJonai Carrington departed in free agency. Minnesota responded by re-signing Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride and selecting TCU guard Olivia Miles with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Collier, who serves as a vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, played an active role in negotiating the new CBA. Following the Lynx’s semifinal exit, she criticized WNBA leadership, calling out inconsistent officiating, league office indifference to on-court product, and the need for improved player compensation during her season-ending press conference.
The supermax contract represents a significant milestone in Collier’s career and reflects her status as one of the league’s premier players. Her decision to sign a one-year deal preserves her flexibility to test free agency in 2027 while providing the Lynx with continuity at a pivotal moment in their roster transition.
The Lynx have not yet announced an official date for Collier’s return to gameplay, as her recovery from bilateral ankle surgery continues. Fans and analysts will monitor her progress during the preseason ahead of the 2026 WNBA regular season, which is scheduled to commence in May.
As the WNBA enters its second season under the new collective bargaining agreement, Collier’s contract underscores the evolving financial landscape for elite players. Her presence will be central to Minnesota’s hopes of returning to the Finals after falling short in 2025 despite finishing with the league’s best record.
For ongoing updates on Napheesa Collier’s recovery and the Minnesota Lynx’s preparations for the 2026 season, fans can follow the team’s official website and social media channels.
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