The Lynx players are gearing up for what promises to be an extraordinary and highly competitive season of Unrivaled—an event that is quickly gaining recognition for its innovative and exhilarating approach to basketball. But here’s where it gets controversial: as the new season approaches, questions arise about injuries, team dynamics, and how star players’ absence might impact the league’s future.
With the arrival of a new year, anticipation builds for the kickoff of the second Unrivaled season in Miami. This league, which was co-created by two basketball giants—Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty—will begin play on January 5th, following a highly successful debut last year.
Unrivaled stands out because it features a fast-paced, uniquely styled 3-on-3 format that delivers exciting, high-energy games during the WNBA offseason. The league is growing, expanding from six teams to eight by 2026, promising even more star power and thrilling matchups with top-tier players showcasing their talent on Florida courts.
Initially, four Lynx players were announced to participate in this second season of Unrivaled. As the season approaches, three of those players will be ready to hit the court. Alanna Smith, along with Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman—both part of the team StudBudz—will join the action. Unfortunately, Napheesa Collier, another Lynx member who initially aimed to compete, will sit out due to recovery from recent surgeries, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
So, as we gear up for this exciting league, let’s focus on the Minnesota Lynx’s presence in the upcoming Unrivaled season and what the next few months hold for the team.
Alanna Smith
This season marks an important milestone for Smith, as she’s spending her basketball offseason in the United States for the first time in her professional career. Historically, she’s played internationally, representing Australia, China, Poland, and Turkey. But now, she’s stepping onto American soil to join Unrivaled, signaling a new chapter.
Smith will start her season with a team called The Mist. Alongside her will be notable players such as Allisha Gray, Breanna Stewart, Veronica Burton, Arike Ogunbowale, and Li Yueru. Their first game on January 5th will see The Mist face off against a newcomer team, The Hive.
Courtney Williams
Williams, one half of the StudBudz duo, is making her second appearance in Unrivaled. She was among the initial group of 32 players who helped set the stage for the league’s inaugural season last year.
Last year, Williams played for the Lunar Owls, but this season she’s switched teams and is now part of Team Vinyl. Her teammates include Rhyne Howard, Dearica Hamby, Erica Wheeler, Rae Burrell, and the legendary Brittney Griner. The team’s first matchup on January 5th will see them face Laces, one of the other opening night contenders.
In the 2025 season, Williams played 14 games with the Lunar Owls, averaging close to 10 points, nearly 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game across 9.8 minutes, demonstrating her consistent contribution.
Natisha Hiedeman
Similarly, Hiedeman is also returning for her second consecutive season in Unrivaled. She previously moved between three teams—Phantom, Laces, and Rose—during her debut campaign. She finished the year with Rose and was instrumental in their success, helping them secure the league’s championship.
This season, Hiedeman joins The Hive, a team that’s new to the league this year, sharing the court with players like Kelsey Mitchell, Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, Saniya Rivers, and Monique Billings. Their first game on opening night will be against The Mist.
Last season, Hiedeman played 12 games with her previous teams, putting up solid numbers: averaging 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in roughly 10 minutes per game.
Napheesa Collier
Despite her initial enthusiasm, Collier will not participate in the 2026 Unrivaled season. She initially planned to join her team, the Lunar Owls, but announced on New Year’s Day that she will be sidelined due to necessary surgery on both ankles.
The surgeries are scheduled in New York City during the first week of January, and doctors estimate she’ll be out for four to six months. She expressed her disappointment publicly, sharing her feelings on Instagram: “I am heartbroken to share that I will miss this Unrivaled season. I have fought hard over the last few months to be back with my Owls and was devastated to be told by my team of doctors that surgery was the best path forward.”
Her injuries last season, including a sprained ankle and a torn ligament, significantly impacted her play, and her decision to undergo surgery is aimed at preventing future setbacks. While it’s unfortunate for her fans and the Lynx, the long-term health benefits and potential to avoid recurrent injuries make this a necessary step.
Looking ahead, while her absence might create some gaps for the Lynx in the short term, this move illustrates her commitment to recovery and future success. Stay tuned for updates on all Lynx players this offseason by visiting our weekly series at Lynx Offseason Updates. The upcoming months will be crucial for understanding how these developments unfold—and whether the league’s exciting growth can withstand the inevitable challenges. Are you convinced that the league’s rapid expansion and star power will lead to greater success, or are injury setbacks and team rotations making it too unpredictable? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
