The WNBA's new CBA was designed to help teams, but for the Minnesota Lynx, it creates a massive challenge. The team now faces a difficult decision regarding star Napheesa Collier's looming supermax contract, putting their roster's future in jeopardy.

Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve puts herself in a dilemma whether or not she can fund all eight of the unrestricted free agents behind an elite player like Napheesa Collier, who will be entering her eighth season with Minnesota, should she join them back.

If Collier were retained at 20% of the Lynx's salary cap, that would leave $5.6 million for Minnesota - or any other team, if she decides to sign elsewhere - to spend on its 11 other players, as per the Minnesota Star Tribune.

 Under the terms of the new CBA, the salary cap will jump from just $1.5 million in 2025 to $7 million starting this season, with supermax contracts starting at $1.4 million, up from $249,244 in 2025.

Meanwhile, the average salary rises from $120,000 to around $600,000. The minimum salary will also increase to more than $300,000 under the new deal, up from $66,079 in 2025.

While good news, it makes roster building tricky for Reeve ahead of the Expansion Draft scheduled for April 3.

Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, and Natisha Hiedeman are some players apart from Collier who helped the Lynx go on a 34-10 run and reach the semifinals last season.

“I think the notion of taking less now has more zeros attached to that,” Reeve said, while chuckling, “and so what is the appetite for that?”

Collier is expected to be the top pick in the Lynx to secure a supermax contract, which will see her earning $1.4 million, a massive jump from $214,284 from last season.

Although if the 29-year-old were retained at 14% of the salary cap, she would still be the highest earner, sitting at $995,400.

According to Reeve, Collier wants in at the Lynx for next season. “I’ll let Phee talk for herself,” Reeve said, with another chuckle.

Napheesa Collier is currently recovering from ankle surgery, but her latest pictures do not seem too promising regarding her recovery time.

Napheesa Collier's Recovery Does Not Seem to be Progressing

The Lynx star was spotted at her annual Hopkins basketball camp using a leg scooter and a cast on her left leg, as seen in an X post by Andrew Dukowitz.

“I did check in with the Lynx, and they had no comment at this time. Until I hear more, I’m staying positive.” He added.

The Lynx has provided no official update on Collier yet, which adds to the uncertainty amidst an important WNBA season.

Collier's current situation comes after a serious ankle injury setback that required surgery on both ankles earlier this year.

Her injury comes from playing during the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, where she was already suffering from multiple ankle issues, which caused the initial strain.

There is no doubt that "Phee" is one of Lynx's most important players, and any further delay in her recovery will further impact their overall season.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil