Napheesa Collier’s Comeback Highlights Performance, Leadership, And The Business Of Women’s Basketball
WNBA player Napheesa Collier is back, making an impact both on and off the court.
Who Is Napheesa Collier?
Collier has become a key player for the Minnesota Lynx. A two-time All-WNBA selection and Olympic gold medalist, she quickly established herself after being drafted in 2019, according to College Net Worth. Her on-court impact includes helping lead the team to wins and earning Most Valuable Player of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, per CBS Sports.
On Sunday, Aug. 24, Collier returned from an ankle injury to score 32 points on 11-of-16 shooting, with nine rebounds in 31 minutes, helping the Minnesota Lynx to a 97-84 win against the Indiana Fever, ESPN reports.
“I had to knock some of the rust off,” Collier said, per ESPN. She added that teammate Courtney Williams would have finished with 11 assists if she had not missed her first few shots. “It feels like you are on the outside when you are not playing. I am having so much FOMO, so it feels good to be on the court with them again.”
Collier was injured during the Lynx’s Aug. 2 game against the Las Vegas Aces and missed seven games, according to the outlet. Minnesota went 5-2 during that stretch, but it was clear the team was eager for her return, ESPN notes.
Fever vs. Lynx: Collier’s Return Game
In the Aug. 24 game, the Fever jumped to an early lead, outpacing Minnesota by as much as 10 points in the first quarter, per ESPN. The Lynx regained momentum, finishing the first half with an 11-0 run to take the lead. Collier hit a turnaround jumper with 77 seconds left in the second quarter, giving Minnesota a lead they never relinquished.
During Collier’s absence, Minnesota added players, including DiJonai Carrington, to strengthen the roster, according to ESPN. With Collier back in the lineup, teammates Kayla McBride, Lexie Hull, and Williams were able to return to their usual roles.
Minnesota Coach Cheryl Reeve said, “She’s that darn good. Obviously, she was ready to play. Having her play makes it easier for everyone else. We can all settle back into our roles and things we like to do.”
With a 30-7 record, per ESPN, the Lynx hold the best record in the WNBA and have already clinched a playoff spot.
Unrivaled League: Players As Owners
Beyond the WNBA, Collier is also a co-founder of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, along with New York Liberty player Breanna Stewart. The league generated more than $27 million in revenue in its first year, as AFROTECH™ previously reported, and provides players with an equity stake and input into league operations.
This season, Collier was also named the first Unrivaled Most Valuable Player, receiving the most votes from players, coaches, fans, and a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, according to the league’s website.
Collier credited her team for the award in a statement, per the website, saying, “I couldn’t do any of this without my teammates. This has been such an incredible season and everyone played a part in our success, from the coaches and training staff to the staff behind the scenes. I’m so proud of this club and am honored to be the first-ever Unrivaled MVP.”
