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Napheesa Collier Out for Season After Ankle Surgery

1/1/2026

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Summary

Collier Faces Surgery

Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled co-founder and Minnesota Lynx star, will undergo ankle surgery and be sidelined four to six months.
The procedure is set for early January in New York.
Temi Fagbenle will replace her on the Lunar Owls roster for the season, which starts January 5.
The WNBA season's start may be affected by ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, with a January 9 deadline.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA Players Association ratified its first collective bargaining agreement in 1999, addressing pay and benefits disparities. In January 2020, a new agreement raised average salaries by 53% to $130,000, marking a significant shift in compensation and resources for players. This evolution reflects ongoing efforts to achieve gender equity in professional sports, particularly amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Collier Faces Surgery

Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled co-founder and Minnesota Lynx star, will undergo ankle surgery and be sidelined four to six months.
The procedure is set for early January in New York.
Temi Fagbenle will replace her on the Lunar Owls roster for the season, which starts January 5.
The WNBA season's start may be affected by ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, with a January 9 deadline.

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