Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier is out for the 2026 season. The five-time All-Star requires surgery for a significant ankle injury. Now, a fellow WNBA player is stepping in to take her place on the Lunar Owls.

In Collier’s stead, the WNBA forward, Temi Fagbenle, will join the Lunar Owls in the 3-on-3 league. Fagbenle, who competes for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA, is expected to bring championship experience to the Owls as they prepare for the league’s second season. 

Back in December 2025, Collier claimed that she didn’t need surgery, hoping to bounce back with just rehabilitation. However, it wasn’t just a sprain in her ankle. She tore three ligaments during the playoffs. And her medical team suggested that the best way forward would be surgery.

The procedure will put her out of active competition for at least six months. This follows a 2025 WNBA season where Collier dealt with injury issues.

After suffering an ankle sprain against the Las Vegas Aces, she got sidelined for three weeks. She missed 11 games and lost the race for the MVP title. Yet, she concluded the regular season with a record of 50-40-90. 

But now, the only thought surrounding her is the comeback. 

Napheesa Collier Expects to Return Soon

Taking to Instagram to announce her absence at Unrivaled Season 2, Collier wrote, “I will still be cheering on my teammates every step of the way, and I will continue to work relentlessly with the rest of the players and our staff to push our sport forward and raise the bar for women’s basketball.” 

Despite being in intense pain, Napheesa Collier is already ahead in making her comeback. “I will be back at full strength as soon as possible and ready to continue where I left off, but for now, it’s still and always will be… HootieHoooooo!” said the 2024 DPOY.

Collier’s absence reshapes Lunar Owls’ plans, but right now, her focus remains firmly on recovery and long-term health. With Fagbenle stepping in, Unrivaled moves forward while awaiting its co-founder’s return to play. But can the Owls dominate as they did in Unrivaled Season 1?

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi