The Lynx are gearing up for an extraordinary season, but a recent announcement has fans on the edge of their seats. Lynx players are ready to dominate the Unrivaled league, yet a key founder won't be on the court this time around. But here's the twist: it's not due to a trade or a contract dispute, but rather an unfortunate injury.
Unrivaled, the brainchild of Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier and New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart, is set to tip off its second season on January 5th. This 3-on-3 league offers a thrilling twist to the traditional WNBA offseason, and it's growing in popularity. Expanding from six to eight teams in 2026, Unrivaled promises even more exciting matchups and star-studded games in Florida.
The Lynx have four players ready to showcase their skills. Alanna Smith, Courtney Williams (one-half of the dynamic duo StudBudz), and Natisha Hiedeman will be in action. However, Collier, who was set to play, will be watching from the sidelines due to surgery recovery.
Let's dive into the players' journeys and the upcoming season:
Alanna Smith: Smith is embracing a new challenge this offseason. Instead of her usual international adventures, she's staying stateside to join Unrivaled. Having played in Australia, China, Poland, and Turkey, Smith is now ready to make her mark in the US. She'll be joining The Mist, alongside Breanna Stewart and other WNBA stars, for the season opener against The Hive on January 5th.
Courtney Williams: Williams, a StudBudz sensation, is back for her second Unrivaled season. After a successful debut last year, she's switching teams to join Team Vinyl. Alongside Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner, Williams will face Laces on opening night. In the previous season, she averaged impressive stats with the Lunar Owls.
Natisha Hiedeman: Hiedeman, the other half of StudBudz, is also returning for her second season. She played for three teams during the inaugural season, including the Unrivaled Championship-winning team, Rose. This time, she's on The Hive, one of the league's newest teams, and will face her teammate Smith in the season opener.
Napheesa Collier: Unfortunately, Collier's surgery recovery takes her out of the game. She was set to play with the Lunar Owls but will be cheering from the sidelines. Collier's surgery on both ankles will keep her off the court for four to six months. This news is a tough pill to swallow, but it's a necessary step for her long-term well-being.
As the Unrivaled season approaches, the Lynx players are ready to shine. But will Collier's absence affect the team's performance? And will her recovery impact the WNBA season? These questions linger as we eagerly await the start of this thrilling league. Stay tuned for more updates on the Lynx players' journeys!
