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Napheesa Collier to Undergo Ankle Surgeries, Sidelined 4–6 Months

Unrivaled said a joint medical review concluded rehab had been exhausted, removing the league's inaugural MVP from this season.

Overview

  • Unrivaled announced Collier will miss its upcoming season as she has procedures on both ankles with an expected four-to-six month recovery window.
  • Golden State Valkyries forward Temi Fagbenle will replace Collier on the Lunar Owls roster for the 2026 Unrivaled campaign.
  • Collier initially pursued rehabilitation and said in mid-December she did not need surgery, but her progress was deemed insufficient after additional evaluations.
  • The timeline could extend into the Minnesota Lynx season, with the WNBA calendar still subject to collective bargaining negotiations that may shift start dates.
  • The surgeries are expected in the first week of January in New York City with Dr. Martin O’Malley, according to reports.