Napheesa Collier Reportedly Set for 2026 WNBA Season Debut After Ankle Injury Recovery

Five-time All-Star Napheesa Collier will suit up for the Minnesota Lynx in Wednesday's game against the Seattle Storm, according to The Athletic's Annie Costabile.

Collier has been out all year while recovering from offseason ankle surgery.

Despite her absence, Minnesota is first in the WNBA at 21-6.

That success is owed in large part to the performance of rookie guard Olivia Miles.

The No. 2 overall pick is at least in the MVP conversation, having averaged 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.3 steals through 25 games. She's the fastest player in league history to amass 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists.

Natasha Howard has also helped to fill the void left by Jessica Shepard in the frontcourt. An All-Star for the first time since 2022, Howard is averaging 16.1 points and 8.1 boards.

Inserting Collier back into the lineup is likely to be an adjustment for everybody. The back-to-back MVP runner-up needs to shake off some of the rust, and she'll inevitably command a lot of the ball. Miles in particular may have to adapt her role to the new normal.

The timing of Collier's return works out nicely.

The Storm have the WNBA's worst record (6-22), though they pushed Minnesota close Monday night. Collier, meanwhile, will get a game under her belt before the WNBA's All-Star break is underway.