Get Ready for an Epic Offseason Showdown: Minnesota Lynx Stars Dive into Unrivaled Action!
Imagine the buzz of a fresh start, where basketball legends trade their regular courts for something fast-paced and thrilling. As we kick off the new year, it's time to gear up for another exhilarating season of Unrivaled in sunny Miami—a league that's redefining how we think about the WNBA offseason. But here's where it gets fascinating: this isn't just any league; it's a bold experiment in 3-on-3 basketball that's capturing hearts and sparking debates across the sport. Curious about how it all unfolds for your favorite Lynx players? Let's break it down, player by player, with some insider insights to keep you hooked.
Unrivaled, the innovative 3-on-3 league co-founded by Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier and New York Liberty sensation Breanna Stewart, is set to launch its second season on January 5. If you're new to this, 3-on-3 is like basketball's adrenaline-fueled cousin—think quicker plays, fewer players per side, and a format that's all about creativity and entertainment, making every game feel like a high-stakes highlight reel. After a blockbuster first season last offseason, the league is leveling up: expanding from six teams to eight, and bringing even more A-list talent to the courts in Florida. It's a testament to the growing appeal of these shorter, more dynamic contests during the break from the traditional WNBA grind.
Now, shifting focus to the Lynx squad, four players were initially slated to join the Unrivaled fray this year. However, only three will actually hit the court when the action kicks off—Alanna Smith and the dynamic duo known as StudBudz, Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, are all in. Collier, the league's co-founder and one of the original four, had high hopes of suiting up with her team, but she'll be sidelined due to recovery from surgery (we'll unpack that later). As we anticipate the Unrivaled spectacle, let's zoom in on the Lynx contingent and track where they'll be making waves over the coming months.
Starting with Alanna Smith: For the first time in her pro career, this Australian powerhouse is opting to stay stateside for the offseason instead of heading overseas, where she's previously dazzled fans in places like her home country, China, Poland, and Turkey. It's a refreshing change of pace, giving her a chance to connect with the local scene. Smith is kicking things off on The Mist team, teaming up with standouts like Allisha Gray, Breanna Stewart, Veronica Burton, Arike Ogunbowale, and Li Yueru. Their opening match? Against one of Unrivaled's fresh squads, The Hive, in the season's inaugural game on January 5. For newcomers wondering about team dynamics, think of it as a mix-and-match roster where player chemistry and quick decisions shine—perfect for showcasing versatility.
Then there's Courtney Williams, half of the fan-favorite StudBudz tandem. She's back for round two in Unrivaled after being among the trailblazers in the first season's roster of 32 players. Last year, she suited up for the Lunar Owls, but this time she's switching it up with Team Vinyl, alongside talented teammates Rhyne Howard, Dearica Hamby, Erica Wheeler, Rae Burrell, and Brittney Griner. You'll catch them battling Laces in the second game of opening night on January 5. To give you a sense of her impact in the 2025 season, Williams played in 14 games with the Lunar Owls, posting averages of 9.4 points, 4.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.4 steals in about 9.8 minutes per outing—stats that highlight her all-around hustle in this speedy format.
Her StudBudz partner, Natisha Hiedeman, is also returning for consecutive seasons, having juggled three different teams—Phantom, Laces, and Rose—in the inaugural year and even helping Rose clinch the championship. This season, she's on board one of the league's newest additions, The Hive, with Kelsey Mitchell, Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, Saniya Rivers, and Monique Billings. The Hive will square off against Smith's Mist in that very first game on January 5. Last season's stats for Hiedeman? She appeared in 12 games across Phantom, Laces, and Rose, averaging 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in roughly 9.8 minutes—proving her knack for contributing across the board in high-energy play.
And this is the part most people miss: Napheesa Collier's absence adds a layer of real emotion to the story. Despite her initial plans to join the Lunar Owls, Collier revealed on New Year's Day that she'll sit out due to surgery on both ankles—set to happen in New York City during the first week of January. She's facing a four-to-six-month recovery, a setback that's understandably tough. In her Instagram post, she shared, “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.” This follows injuries from the 2025 WNBA season: a sprained right ankle in early August that sidelined her for three weeks, and a tear of three ligaments in her left ankle during Game 3 of the semifinals. While it's a heavy blow, experts say this procedure is crucial for her long-term well-being, potentially preventing future ailments and benefiting both Collier and the Lynx in the grand scheme. But here's where it gets controversial: with star players like Collier pushing through demanding offseasons, does the rise of leagues like Unrivaled risk burning out athletes before the WNBA even starts? Some argue it's a thrilling evolution, boosting visibility and income, while others worry it prioritizes spectacle over player health. What do you think—is the extra exposure worth the potential toll on bodies?
For the latest on all Lynx players and their offseason adventures, don't forget to tune in every Monday to our Lynx Offseason Update series. Until then, keep the conversation going: Do you support these fun, fast-paced leagues, or fear they might drain the stars? Agree, disagree, or have a fresh take? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear from you!
