2026 WNBA season review: Although Olivia Miles arrived, the absence, presence and future of Napheesa Collier still defined the Minnesota Lynx

October 13, 2026

The Minnesota Lynx’s 2026 season was defined by the lingering impact of Napheesa Collier’s prolonged recovery from double-ankle surgery, which delayed her return until July 22 and limited her to just 16 regular-season games. Without Collier, the team leaned heavily on rookie sensation Olivia Miles, the No.

2 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, who delivered an immediate offensive explosion, setting a career-high 33 points in a single game and earning Rookie of the Year honors. Head coach Cheryl Reeve orchestrated a seamless transition, maximizing the contributions of a veteran core while securing her fifth Coach of the Year award and a record-tying third Basketball Executive of the Year honor, partly for drafting Miles.

The Lynx’s strong start—including a league-best record—sparked speculation about Collier’s future, especially after she signed a one-year deal, signaling a potential shift in focus beyond Minnesota’s championship aspirations.