Napheesa Collier signs 'supermax' contract with Minnesota Lynx

Originally posted on Bring Me The News | By Joe Nelson | Last updated Apr 17, 2026 9:50 AM ET

Napheesa Collier became the third player in the WNBA to sign a "supermax" contract extension on Thursday night when she reportedly agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Minnesota Lynx.

Collier's deal came shortly after four-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson signed a three-year, $5.4 million supermax extension with the Las Vegas Aces. Indiana's Kelsey Mitchell also signed a one-year, $1.4 million supermax deal.

The Lynx confirmed that Collier re-signed, but the team did not disclose financial terms.

"Phee has been such an integral part of the Lynx since she was drafted in 2019," Lynx head coach and president Cheryl Reeve said. "Coming off a historic 50/40/90 season and guiding the Lynx to the most wins in franchise history, Phee is hungry to position the Lynx for a championship run in 2026."

Prior to the agreement, the Lynx "cored" Collier, which is essentially the WNBA's version of the NFL's franchise tag. She'll be an unrestricted free agent next offseason, and the Lynx won't be able to use the core on her again.

Collier has finished runner-up in each of the last two MVP votes, which were both won by Wilson. Collier also finished fourth in MVP voting in 2023 and fifth in 2020. She led the Lynx with 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season.

The 29-year-old has spent all seven of her professional seasons with the Lynx, having been drafted seventh overall in 2019 by Minnesota. She's a four-time All-Star and three-time All-WNBA First Team selection. Collier also won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024 and was named to the All-Defensive First Team in each of the last two seasons.

Collier, coming off multiple ankle surgeries, is expected to miss the start of the regular season as she continues her recovery. Her timeline to return is unknown, but she is expected to play this season.

Minnesota has brought back Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride, while drafting TCU guard Olivia Miles with the No. 2 overall pick in last week's draft, along with signing free agent center Natasha Howard.

This article first appeared on Bring Me The News and was syndicated with permission.

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