Just days before the second season of Unrivaled was set to begin, the league was dealt a significant blow with the announcement that Nafeesa Collier, a standout forward for the Minnesota Lynx and co-founder of the 3-on-3 league, will miss the entire season due to surgery on both ankles. This is a major setback for the 2025 runner-up team, Lunar Owls BC, who will now be without their star player. Collier’s spot will be filled by Temi Fagbenle from the Golden State Valkyries, but Collier won’t be able to defend her MVP title from last season.
Collier will be sidelined for the full season of Unrivaled, which runs from January 5th to March 4th, including the midseason head-to-head tournament she won last year. In an emotional Instagram post, Collier revealed her disappointment, explaining that despite her efforts to recover, surgery was necessary. Her recovery timeline is expected to be four to six months, likely keeping her out until the WNBA All-Star break, a major loss for the Lynx who rely heavily on her versatile talents.
Collier initially injured her right ankle on August 2 during a game against the Las Vegas Aces, resulting in weeks of recovery for a sprain, but suffered a more severe injury in her left ankle during the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, tearing three ligaments. Surgery was deemed the best course of action for the five-time All-Star, two-time WNBA MVP runner-up, and member of the 50/40/90 club in 2025.
Without Collier, Lunar Owls’ championship hopes have been significantly weakened. Guard Skylar Diggins will step up into a leadership role, while Aliyah Edwards and Marina Mabry are expected to increase their scoring contributions.
Fan Take: This news is devastating for WNBA fans who have come to admire Collier’s exceptional skills and fierce competitiveness. Her absence not only impacts her team’s chances but also shifts the competitive landscape of the league, highlighting the depth of talent needed to contend at the highest level.
