Napheesa Collier has become one of the WNBA’s most consistent stars, anchoring the Minnesota Lynx with her versatility and leadership. A former Rookie of the Year, she has steadily evolved into a cornerstone for the franchise.
Her path hasn’t been without challenges. From the demands of a pro career to navigating the physical toll of elite competition, she has faced moments that tested her resolve and deepened her perspective on the game.
Now, as she takes on a greater role for a Lynx team chasing postseason success, her influence extends far beyond the stat sheet — embodying the determination and poise that define today’s WNBA.
How old is Napheesa Collier?
Napheesa Collier was born on September 23, 1996 in Jefferson City, Missouri, making her 28 years old in 2025. From her standout tenure at UConn to being selected 6th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by Minnesota, she quickly made her mark and has been a mainstay ever since.
Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots a free throw against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on July 12, 2025. (Source: Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)
How tall is Napheesa Collier?
Listed at 6′ 1″ (185 cm) and weighing around 179–180 lb (81 kg), Napheesa Collier’s size and athleticism allow her to thrive at both power forward and small forward positions.
Her 2025 season stats—leading Minnesota in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks—underscore how she uses her blend of strength and mobility on both ends of the court.
Napheesa Collier’s love life and family
Napheesa Collier is married to certified trainer Alex Bazzell, her long-time partner and fellow basketball professional. The couple got engaged in 2019 and welcomed their daughter Mila in May 2022. She returned from maternity leave later that season, making a statement by playing alongside retiring teammate Sylvia Fowles.
In interviews, she repeatedly highlights the synergy between her family life and her career: motherhood has reshaped her priorities but sharpened her perspective. Raising Mila while maintaining elite performance, she has redefined what’s possible as a player and parent in modern women’s pro basketball.
Napheesa Collier’s injury
On July 4, 2024, Napheesa Collier exited a game against the Connecticut Sun after aggravating a left plantar fasciitis issue—a nagging foot injury she had battled earlier. She limped off midgame and missed the rest of the contest, leaving Lynx fans holding their breath.
Head coach Cheryl Reeve later confirmed she would be out indefinitely, underscoring how the injury interrupted what had been her best MVP-caliber campaign yet. At that point, she was averaging career highs in nearly every category and spearheading Minnesota’s strong start to the season.
What is Napheesa Collier’s jersey number?
Since she was drafted 6th overall in 2019, Napheesa Collier has donned the No. 24 jersey for the Minnesota Lynx, quickly making it synonymous with her leadership and consistency. That number has stood out during All-Star nods, MVP-worthy seasons, and clutch postseason moments.
Game MVP and team captain Napheesa Collier speaks to Holly Rowe of ESPN after defeating Team Clark 151-131 during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game. (Source: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Wearing 24, she has become both a face of the franchise and a player who embodies the drive and defensive tenacity of a basketball leader—cementing her as a foundational piece for the Lynx going forward.
Napheesa Collier’s career highlights
- WNBA Rookie of the Year (2019): She made an immediate impact after being selected 6th overall by Minnesota, becoming one of the league’s most versatile forwards in her debut season.
- Five-time WNBA All-Star: Selected multiple times, including captaining Team Collier in the 2025 All-Star Game, where she set a scoring record with 36 points.
- Defensive Player of the Year (2024): Recognized for her dominance on both ends, Collier anchored the Lynx defense during a season where she also delivered her best offensive numbers.
- Playoff Record Scorer: Tied the WNBA single-game playoff scoring record with 42 points, cementing her status as a clutch postseason performer.
- All-WNBA Team Selections: Consistently named among the league’s elite, reflecting her impact as a two-way star over several seasons.
- Commissioner’s Cup MVP (2024): Led the Lynx to tournament success, showcasing her ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
- Unrivaled Co-founder: Alongside Breanna Stewart, she launched the Unrivaled league in 2025, expanding opportunities for women’s basketball players and taking an active role in shaping the sport’s future.
