Early Life and Background
Napheesa Collier was born on September 23, 1996, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Raised in a family with a rich heritage, she is the granddaughter of Gershon Collier, a prominent Sierra Leone Creole lawyer and former ambassador. Her early exposure to basketball was unconventional; when the local AAU team denied her entry, her parents founded the Lady Warriors, which went on to compete in national tournaments. Collier attended Jefferson City High School and later Incarnate Word Academy in St. Louis, where she honed her skills and gained national recognition.
College Career at UConn
Collier played college basketball for the University of Connecticut Huskies from 2015 to 2019. During her tenure, she achieved significant milestones, including becoming the fifth player in UConn history to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. She was a two-time AP First Team All-American and received the Katrina McClain Award for Power Forward of the Year in her senior season. Her collegiate success set the stage for her professional career.
WNBA Career with the Minnesota Lynx
Draft and Rookie Season
In the 2019 WNBA Draft, Collier was selected 6th overall by the Minnesota Lynx. She made an immediate impact, scoring 27 points in her debut game, the second-highest debut ever for a rookie. That season, she averaged 13.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, earning her the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
Career Achievements
Collier’s career has been marked by numerous accolades:
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5× WNBA All-Star (2019, 2021, 2023–2025)
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WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2025)
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2× All-WNBA First Team (2023, 2024)
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WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2024)
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WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2024)
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WNBA Rookie of the Year (2019)
In the 2025 season, she averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, solidifying her status as one of the league’s premier players.
International Play and Olympic Success
Collier has represented the United States on the international stage, winning Olympic gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. Her contributions were pivotal in securing these victories, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the sport.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Family and Marriage
In October 2019, Collier became engaged to Alex Bazzell, a basketball skills coach. The couple married on October 7, 2022, in St. Louis. They have a daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell, born on May 25, 2022.
Advocacy and Initiatives
Beyond basketball, Collier is an advocate for various causes. She is the first WNBA player to join EcoAthletes, focusing on climate action, and has partnered with Opill to promote reproductive rights and sexual health. In April 2025, she signed with the Jordan Brand, after previously being with Nike for five years.
Contract and Salary
As of the 2025 season, Collier is under a 3-year contract with the Minnesota Lynx, valued at $552,516, averaging $184,172 annually. Her base salary for the 2025 season is approximately $214,284.
Net Worth
While exact figures vary, Collier’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million, considering her WNBA earnings, endorsements, and business ventures.
Recent Developments
Critique of WNBA Leadership
In a post-season press conference on September 30, 2025, Collier sharply criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league’s leadership. She accused the league of poor leadership and a lack of accountability, highlighting issues such as inconsistent officiating and the league’s disciplinary actions against outspoken coaches. Collier’s comments sparked widespread support from fellow players and the players association, aligning with the Lynx’s historic role in activism.
Co-founding Unrivaled Basketball League
In addition to her WNBA career, Collier co-founded the Unrivaled basketball league with Breanna Stewart. This 3×3 league offers competitive pay and aims to provide players with more opportunities and exposure. Unrivaled has been noted for its player-first approach, contrasting with some of the challenges faced in the WNBA.
Conclusion
Napheesa Collier‘s journey from a determined young athlete in Missouri to a WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist is a testament to her talent, resilience, and commitment to the sport. Off the court, she continues to advocate for positive change, using her platform to address important social issues and create opportunities for others. Her multifaceted career and activism make her a prominent figure in women’s basketball and beyond.
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