All articles tagged with #napheesa collier
Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, raised new funding to reach a $650 million valuation after a string of sold-out tour stops; backers include high-profile investors and the league’s player equity pool now approaches $200 million as it expands its Miami campus and braces for competition from Project B.
With the Aug. 2 WNBA trade deadline looming, teams are weighing bold moves under a reworked salary-cap framework, and Napheesa Collier and Kelsey Plum sit at the center of major discussions. The Minnesota Lynx could trade Collier while remaining contenders; the Los Angeles Sparks may push Plum to avoid losing her for nothing, amid front-office changes. Other teams—Phoenix, Connecticut, Washington and New York—are weighing assets, cap space and potential fits (e.g., Alanna Smith, Aneesah Morrow, Laney-Hamilton) as they eye pieces to accelerate their seasons. Expect a busy week of talks and possible blockbuster moves.
Napheesa Collier will make her season debut for the Minnesota Lynx against the Seattle Storm after offseason ankle surgeries, with coach Cheryl Reeve noting a measured return as Collier eases back into a club that sits atop the standings at 21-6 and features rookie Olivia Miles leading an efficient offense/defense mix.
The 2026 WNBA season opens with a shift from team previews to narrative-driven storylines, highlighting star players and characters. Napheesa Collier is set to miss at least the first month for Minnesota due to a left ankle injury, while offseason moves reshape rosters: Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith sign with the Dallas Wings, Bridget Carleton goes to the Portland expansion team, and Natisha Hiedeman signs with the Seattle Storm.
The WNBA launches its expedited 2026 free agency with bigger rosters and a higher cap, plus a core designation that grants exclusive rights to a player. A 50-player list highlights stars likely to shift teams or stay put: A’ja Wilson is expected to re-sign with the Las Vegas Aces, Napheesa Collier appears likely to remain with the Minnesota Lynx, and Breanna Stewart is set to re-sign with the New York Liberty. Other notable moves include Kelsey Plum and Skylar Diggins changing teams, Brittney Griner moving to the Connecticut Sun, and a wave of re-signings as teams build for the 2026 season. The market will determine which franchises capitalize on core players and a reshaped salary structure.
Three athletes—Napheesa Collier, Sophie Cunningham and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden—were photographed for the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue at the South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Fort Myers. The feature highlights Collier’s defensive prowess and Olympic pedigree, Cunningham’s sharpshooting career, and Jefferson-Wooden’s world-champion sprint credentials, with Kérastase as the official haircare partner and photos shot by Katherine Goguen.
Kelsey Plum has publicly expressed frustration with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert amid ongoing player dissatisfaction over league issues like officiating and CBA negotiations, highlighting a tense relationship between players and league leadership.
Napheesa Collier canceled a meeting with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert due to her perception of a lack of accountability after Engelbert denied making certain comments about players' gratitude for the league, highlighting ongoing tensions and upcoming negotiations.
Napheesa Collier publicly criticized the WNBA's officiating and leadership under commissioner Cathy Engelbert, leading to a public dispute that has overshadowed the league's finals and raised questions about trust, transparency, and leadership amid ongoing CBA negotiations and league growth.
Napheesa Collier has canceled a meeting with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert amid ongoing tensions and public disputes over league management and leadership, following critical comments from Collier and other players about the league's direction and leadership.
Napheesa Collier canceled a meeting with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after a contentious press conference where Engelbert claimed there were inaccuracies in Collier's statements. The dispute appears to have damaged their relationship, with Collier's support from other players growing and questions arising about Engelbert's future as commissioner.
Napheesa Collier publicly criticized WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for dismissive comments about player earnings and league revenue, which Engelbert denied, claiming her statements were inaccurate. Collier responded by canceling a planned meeting, indicating a strained relationship and ongoing controversy within the league.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert denied making comments suggesting Caitlin Clark should be grateful for her platform, emphasizing her positive view of Clark's impact and expressing a desire to improve relationships with players amid recent misunderstandings.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed disappointment over player criticism, especially from Napheesa Collier, and acknowledged the need to improve communication and support for players amid ongoing disputes over league leadership and management.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is set to address the league amid ongoing controversies, including criticism from Napheesa Collier about leadership, ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, potential team sale, officiating issues, and positive highlights like record attendance and new media deals. Despite challenges, Engelbert has made significant progress in expanding the league and securing major media rights, aiming for a transformative CBA that benefits players.