The Minnesota Lynx have made a significant power play, ensuring the return of their standout forward, Napheesa Collier, for another season. This strategic re-signing, a one-year supermax deal, reportedly worth $1.4 million, reinforces the Lynx's commitment to building a championship-contending roster. Collier's exceptional performance last season, marked by career-high statistics and numerous accolades, underscores her invaluable contribution to the team's historic success. This move positions the Lynx as a formidable force in the WNBA, poised for a dominant 2026 campaign.
Minnesota Lynx Lock Down Napheesa Collier with Landmark Supermax Contract
In a pivotal development for the Minnesota Lynx, the franchise officially announced on Friday, April 17, 2026, the re-signing of their star forward, Napheesa Collier. While specific financial terms were not publicly disclosed by the team, reports from ESPN and the Minnesota Star Tribune indicate that Collier inked a one-year supermax contract valued at an impressive $1.4 million. This landmark agreement places Collier among an elite group of WNBA players to secure such a lucrative deal, joining A'Ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever.
Lynx coach and president of basketball operations, Cheryl Reeve, lauded Collier's integral role within the team since her 2019 draft. Reeve highlighted Collier's remarkable 2025 season, which saw her achieve a historic 50/40/90 shooting split and spearhead the Lynx to an unprecedented 34 regular-season victories, matching the WNBA record set by the 2023 Aces. Despite their league-best record, the Lynx's championship aspirations were cut short by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semifinals.
Collier's individual brilliance was undeniable, as she posted career averages of 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Her exceptional play earned her the Defensive Player of the Year award, a fifth All-Star selection, and her fourth All-NBA nod, though she finished as the MVP runner-up to A'Ja Wilson for the second consecutive year. A former standout at UConn and the sixth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Collier boasts career averages of 18.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks across her seven professional seasons. Beyond the WNBA, Collier has also been a key member of Team USA, contributing to two Olympic gold medal victories.
Looking ahead, the Lynx are scheduled to commence their preseason on April 25 in Washington, D.C., against the Washington Mystics. Their regular-season opener will take place on May 10 in Minneapolis, where they will host the Atlanta Dream.
The re-signing of Napheesa Collier marks a clear statement of intent from the Minnesota Lynx. It's a testament to Collier's immense talent and leadership, solidifying her status as a franchise cornerstone. For fans, this news ignites renewed hope and excitement for the upcoming season, signaling that the Lynx are fully committed to vying for a championship. The significant investment in Collier also highlights the growing recognition and value of elite female athletes in professional sports. As a sports enthusiast, it's inspiring to witness such dedication to excellence and the pursuit of greatness within the WNBA, promising an exhilarating 2026 season for all.