Napheesa Collier Signs 1-Year Supermax Deal, Returns to Lynx: Report
WNBA star Napheesa Collier isn't going anywhere. ESPN's Kendra Andrews reported on Thursday that Collier signed a new one-year, supermax contract with the Minnesota Lynx.
The former UConn alum is one of the best stars in the WNBA. She's established herself as a franchise player, appearing in five All-Star games in her seven-year career. Last season was her best, by far.
She appeared in 33 games and averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists, leading the Lynx to a 34-10 record, the best in the Western Conference. She also finished second in MVP voting and fifth in the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Napheesa Collier Becomes the 3rd WNBA Player to Sign a Supermax
Andrews reported that Collier signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract to return to the Lynx.
BREAKING: Napheesa Collier is signing a one-year $1.4 million super max contract with the Minnesota Lynx, sources tell ESPN.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) April 17, 2026
She's the third player in the WNBA to sign a super max deal. pic.twitter.com/8t3VtXt0Od
Although she's on a supermax contract, the Lynx cannot make her the team's core player, and Collier will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2027 season. The WNBA star joins superstars A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) and Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever) as the only players to sign a supermax contract.
Being the team's franchise star, it was expected that Collier would sign a maximum contract with Minnesota.
Last season, Collier's playoff stint was cut short after suffering a severe left ankle injury (Grade 2 ligament tears and a shin muscle injury). It happened in Game 3 of their semifinals playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury. She missed Game 4 and had to undergo surgery in January. Minnesota lost the series after five games.
Reports stated that she will miss at least four to six months before she can fully recover. It's expected that she will miss the start of the regular season. Due to her injury, Collier did not participate in the second season of Unrivaled.
On March 30, Andrew Dukowitz of the Zone Coverage reported on Collier's status amid her injury recovery. The fans and the franchise are quite concerned about her rehabilitation progress. Dukowitz posted a photo of the Lynx star attending her annual Hopkins basketball camp, and she was on a leg scooter.
"Unfortunate Lynx news. Napheesa Collier was seen at her annual Hopkins basketball camp using a leg scooter and a cast on her left leg," he posted.
Unfortunate Lynx news.
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) March 30, 2026
Napheesa Collier was seen at her annual Hopkins basketball camp using a leg scooter and a cast on her left leg.
I did check in with the Lynx and they had no comment at this time.
Until I hear more I'm staying positive
credit to @sportsfan6718pic.twitter.com/gzHXXBcfuK
"I did check in with the Lynx, and they had no comment at this time. Until I hear more, I'm staying positive."
There's a chance that the WNBA star could miss at least half of the season.
Related: Napheesa Collier Sends Clear Unrivaled Message to WNBA
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 11:10 PM.