Much to the delight of WNBA fans, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier is back.
Collier, a five-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year, missed the past few months due to an ankle injury. She returned to the hardwood on July 22 and had 24 points in an 86-76 victory over the Seattle Storm.
"I was just so excited," Collier said after the win. "I felt like a kid in a candy store. I couldn't wait to get out on the court to get with these guys. I'm just really happy to be here."
Collier followed up that performance with 15 points in a win over the Toronto Tempo.
© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images.
In honor of Collier's return, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shared a photo from her rookie shoot. She was photographed on Captiva Island for the 2026 magazine.
“This was such an amazing opportunity,” Collier said. “Grateful for everyone involved in making my dreams come true.”
SI Swimsuit's history with the WNBA.
There have been plenty of WNBA stars featured in SI Swimsuit, including including Sue Bird, Cameron Brink, Nneka Ogwumike and Breanna Stewart.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was also featured in the 2026 magazine just like Collier.
“It really was so fun,” Cunningham said, via SI Swimsuit. “You just feel so empowered, and something I really do love about it is like, they choose … different body sizes, shapes and sizes, different ethnicities, like they just like empower all types of women and it really was like frickin’ awesome. It was awesome.”
It's only a matter of time before SI Swimsuit adds another WNBA star to the family.
