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Napheesa Collier could miss beginning of WNBA season

Napheesa Collier could miss beginning of WNBA season

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Napheesa Collier’s 2025 WNBA season ended in heartbreak when she was injured and could not finish the Minnesota Lynx’s second-round playoff series. That was back in October, and Collier’s goal was to heal in time for the Unrivaled season, which starts on Jan. 5. Unfortunately, it was announced in the early hours of the new year that it will not be happening.

Per a statement from Unrivaled, Collier will be undergoing surgery on both of her ankles. It has been recommended to her to do so, and it is the best chance for her to feel her best in the long term. That means, though, that she will be out for 4-6 months to recover.

This prognosis means that she will be out for the entirety of Unrivaled’s second season. Last season, Collier led her Lunar Owls to a semi-finals berth, won the league’s MVP award, and also won the mid-season 1-on-1 tournament. She was undoubtedly the most dominant player in the league. As a co-founder, Collier was also responsible for many of the perks and amenities that Unrivaled was praised for, working to create a great experience for herself and her peers.

With a prognosis of 4-6 months, this also means that Collier could miss the beginning of the WNBA season. Training camp begins in April (unless that changes with the new CBA), and the season starts in May — Collier will need to be on the lower end of that recovery timeline to make it for the beginning of the Lynx’s season.

The only way Collier avoids missing significant time to start the season is if the season is the WNBA season gets pushed. Which, with the way CBA negotiations are going, seems like a possibility.

On Dec. 31, Alexa Phillipou reported that the players and the WNBA are still very far apart on negotiations. Not just on salary, but on several other key details as well.

With Jan. 9 now just over a week away, we are getting into territory where the sides may start to talk about a work stoppage as well. The WNBPA has already voted to authorize a strike, if it comes to that as well. Either way, going beyond the Jan. 9 deadline almost guarantees that the WNBA season will be pushed (if not rushed).

In that case, Napheesa might get a little bit of extra time to recover. Either way, missing the Unrivaled season is going to have a huge impact on the Lunar Owls and the entire league as well. The league just lost their MVP, and the 1-on-1 tournament seems to have opened up for new contenders as well.

For Collier, sights must be set ahead to first get a new CBA signed, then healing up for the WNBA season, and then staying healthy long enough to help Team USA at the Women’s World Cup in Germany this fall.

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Brazil forward Endrick scored one goal and created another as Lyon won 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to go third in Ligue 1 and boost its chances of Champions League qualification.

PSG’s fifth league defeat of the season left it one point ahead of second-placed Lens, with PSG having a game in hand. But PSG still has to travel to Lens in May, after the league postponed their game on April 11 due to PSG’s involvement in the Champions League.

Coach Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon leads fourth-placed Lille on goal difference with the top three gaining direct entry to the Champions League and the side in fourth entering qualifying.

Endrick responds in style

Fonseca recently criticised Endrick following some mediocre performances and benched him against Lorient last weekend. Endrick came on and played a part in both goals in a 2-0 win.

He gave Lyon the lead on Sunday in the sixth minute. The livewire 19-year-old made a clever run behind the PSG defence to meet Afonso Moreira’s pass and score with a crisp shot past goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.

Lyon hit PSG with a classic counterattack in the 18th as Endrick sent Moreira clean through from halfway and the 21-year-old Portuguese forward hit a low shot into the left corner.

PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos had a penalty saved by Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif in the 33rd. Moments later PSG midfielder Vitinha limped off with a right ankle injury.

Safonov kept out a curler from Moreira in the second half.

Moreira was outstanding cutting in from the left flank and pushed his case for a first callup to the Portugal side. PSG midfielder Fabián Ruiz came on late in the game for his first appearance in three months following a knee injury.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pulled a goal back four minutes into stoppage time with a curler from 20 meters out, but Lyon was a worthy winner and PSG coach Luis Enrique hugged Fonseca.

Monaco draws with Auxerre; Metz slids closer to relegation

Balogun’s run American forward Folarin Balogun scored for the eighth straight league game as Monaco rallied to draw 2-2 with Auxerre.

Seventh-placed Monaco is one of several sides chasing a Champions League place next season.

Balogun equalised with a penalty in the 59th after being knocked over by goalkeeper Donovan Léon. Former Barcelona midfielder Ansu Fati got Monaco’s other goal with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area three minutes earlier.

Midfielder Kévin Danois and striker Lassine Sinayoko had put Auxerre 2-0 up.

Monaco is three points behind fifth-placed Rennes, which won 3-0 at Strasbourg, and two behind Marseille in sixth. Marseille lost 2-0 at Lorient on Saturday, prompting a scathing attack on the players from the club’s sporting director.

Auxerre is in 16th place, the relegation-promotion playoff spot against the side finishing third in Ligue 2.

Lepaul scores again Esteban Lepaul opened the scoring for Rennes and moved top of the Ligue 1 charts with 17 goals.

Lepaul’s headed flick on set up striker Breel Embolo for 2-0 and Jordan’s Mousa Al-Tamari netted the third as Rennes won its seventh match in nine games.

Rock-bottom Metz slid closer to relegation after losing 3-1 at home to Paris FC and 17th-placed Nantes conceded deep into stoppage time in a 1-1 home draw with Brest.

In Friday’s game, Lens rallied from 2-0 down to beat Toulouse 3-2

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Lyon #beats #PSG #Lens #renewed #hope #Ligue #title #race">Lyon beats PSG 2-1, gives Lens renewed hope in Ligue 1 title race Brazil forward Endrick scored one goal and created another as Lyon won 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to go third in Ligue 1 and boost its chances of Champions League qualification.PSG’s fifth league defeat of the season left it one point ahead of second-placed Lens, with PSG having a game in hand. But PSG still has to travel to Lens in May, after the league postponed their game on April 11 due to PSG’s involvement in the Champions League.Coach Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon leads fourth-placed Lille on goal difference with the top three gaining direct entry to the Champions League and the side in fourth entering qualifying.Endrick responds in styleFonseca recently criticised Endrick following some mediocre performances and benched him against Lorient last weekend. Endrick came on and played a part in both goals in a 2-0 win.He gave Lyon the lead on Sunday in the sixth minute. The livewire 19-year-old made a clever run behind the PSG defence to meet Afonso Moreira’s pass and score with a crisp shot past goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.Lyon hit PSG with a classic counterattack in the 18th as Endrick sent Moreira clean through from halfway and the 21-year-old Portuguese forward hit a low shot into the left corner.PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos had a penalty saved by Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif in the 33rd. Moments later PSG midfielder Vitinha limped off with a right ankle injury.Safonov kept out a curler from Moreira in the second half.Moreira was outstanding cutting in from the left flank and pushed his case for a first callup to the Portugal side. PSG midfielder Fabián Ruiz came on late in the game for his first appearance in three months following a knee injury.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pulled a goal back four minutes into stoppage time with a curler from 20 meters out, but Lyon was a worthy winner and PSG coach Luis Enrique hugged Fonseca.Monaco draws with Auxerre; Metz slids closer to relegationBalogun’s run American forward Folarin Balogun scored for the eighth straight league game as Monaco rallied to draw 2-2 with Auxerre.Seventh-placed Monaco is one of several sides chasing a Champions League place next season.Balogun equalised with a penalty in the 59th after being knocked over by goalkeeper Donovan Léon. Former Barcelona midfielder Ansu Fati got Monaco’s other goal with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area three minutes earlier.Midfielder Kévin Danois and striker Lassine Sinayoko had put Auxerre 2-0 up.Monaco is three points behind fifth-placed Rennes, which won 3-0 at Strasbourg, and two behind Marseille in sixth. Marseille lost 2-0 at Lorient on Saturday, prompting a scathing attack on the players from the club’s sporting director.Auxerre is in 16th place, the relegation-promotion playoff spot against the side finishing third in Ligue 2.Lepaul scores again Esteban Lepaul opened the scoring for Rennes and moved top of the Ligue 1 charts with 17 goals.Lepaul’s headed flick on set up striker Breel Embolo for 2-0 and Jordan’s Mousa Al-Tamari netted the third as Rennes won its seventh match in nine games.Rock-bottom Metz slid closer to relegation after losing 3-1 at home to Paris FC and 17th-placed Nantes conceded deep into stoppage time in a 1-1 home draw with Brest.In Friday’s game, Lens rallied from 2-0 down to beat Toulouse 3-2Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Lyon #beats #PSG #Lens #renewed #hope #Ligue #title #race

Deadspin | Hector Herrera, Dynamo deal another shutout loss to Orlando City Apr 18, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Guilherme Santos (20) dribbles the ball against Orlando City SC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Hector Herrera’s goal in the 75th minute broke a scoreless stalemate and lifted the Houston Dynamo to a 1-0 victory over host Orlando City SC on Saturday night. Herrera’s first goal of the season gave Houston (3-4-0, 9 points) its second consecutive victory across all competitions but snapped a three-match losing streak in MLS play. The Dynamo won their first game ever at Orlando, their first road win this season and secured three vital points as they try to avoid falling out of contention early. It was Houston’s first shutout win in league play since Sept. 20, 2025, against Portland. Orlando City (1-6-1, 4 points) is winless in its past four league games and has scored only one goal over that span. The Lions were blanked for the fourth time this season. Herrera kicked home a rebound after a shot by Ezequiel Ponce was blocked by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The scoring chance was created by a great advance downfield by Lawrence Ennali, who split Orlando’s defenders and put a close-range shot on goal that Crepeau also deflected. Dynamo goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer entered the game after halftime in relief of starter Jonathan Bond and made a huge save in the second half to keep the game scoreless. In the 66th minute, Orlando’s Braian Ojeda fired a corner kick in front of the goal that almost found the mark. Iago Teodoro’s attempt was blocked. Martin Ojeda then had another putback attempt blocked by a Dynamo defender to keep the game scoreless. Orlando City’s other great chance came just before halftime when Tyrese Spicer delivered a long, accurate cross that traveled right in front of Bond. Tiago came sliding in and fired the ball quickly, but it hit the crossbar and ricocheted away. It was one of multiple chances before the half for Orlando that didn’t find the mark. Houston had only one official shot on target in the first half but ended up with a 6-3 edge in that department by game’s end and outshot Orlando 19-17. Crepeau finished with four saves while Bond and Maurer combined for three saves. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hector #Herrera #Dynamo #deal #shutout #loss #Orlando #CityApr 18, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Guilherme Santos (20) dribbles the ball against Orlando City SC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Hector Herrera’s goal in the 75th minute broke a scoreless stalemate and lifted the Houston Dynamo to a 1-0 victory over host Orlando City SC on Saturday night.

Herrera’s first goal of the season gave Houston (3-4-0, 9 points) its second consecutive victory across all competitions but snapped a three-match losing streak in MLS play. The Dynamo won their first game ever at Orlando, their first road win this season and secured three vital points as they try to avoid falling out of contention early.

It was Houston’s first shutout win in league play since Sept. 20, 2025, against Portland.

Orlando City (1-6-1, 4 points) is winless in its past four league games and has scored only one goal over that span. The Lions were blanked for the fourth time this season.

Herrera kicked home a rebound after a shot by Ezequiel Ponce was blocked by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The scoring chance was created by a great advance downfield by Lawrence Ennali, who split Orlando’s defenders and put a close-range shot on goal that Crepeau also deflected.


Dynamo goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer entered the game after halftime in relief of starter Jonathan Bond and made a huge save in the second half to keep the game scoreless.

In the 66th minute, Orlando’s Braian Ojeda fired a corner kick in front of the goal that almost found the mark. Iago Teodoro’s attempt was blocked. Martin Ojeda then had another putback attempt blocked by a Dynamo defender to keep the game scoreless.

Orlando City’s other great chance came just before halftime when Tyrese Spicer delivered a long, accurate cross that traveled right in front of Bond. Tiago came sliding in and fired the ball quickly, but it hit the crossbar and ricocheted away.

It was one of multiple chances before the half for Orlando that didn’t find the mark.

Houston had only one official shot on target in the first half but ended up with a 6-3 edge in that department by game’s end and outshot Orlando 19-17. Crepeau finished with four saves while Bond and Maurer combined for three saves.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hector #Herrera #Dynamo #deal #shutout #loss #Orlando #City">Deadspin | Hector Herrera, Dynamo deal another shutout loss to Orlando City Apr 18, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Guilherme Santos (20) dribbles the ball against Orlando City SC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Hector Herrera’s goal in the 75th minute broke a scoreless stalemate and lifted the Houston Dynamo to a 1-0 victory over host Orlando City SC on Saturday night. Herrera’s first goal of the season gave Houston (3-4-0, 9 points) its second consecutive victory across all competitions but snapped a three-match losing streak in MLS play. The Dynamo won their first game ever at Orlando, their first road win this season and secured three vital points as they try to avoid falling out of contention early. It was Houston’s first shutout win in league play since Sept. 20, 2025, against Portland. Orlando City (1-6-1, 4 points) is winless in its past four league games and has scored only one goal over that span. The Lions were blanked for the fourth time this season. Herrera kicked home a rebound after a shot by Ezequiel Ponce was blocked by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The scoring chance was created by a great advance downfield by Lawrence Ennali, who split Orlando’s defenders and put a close-range shot on goal that Crepeau also deflected. Dynamo goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer entered the game after halftime in relief of starter Jonathan Bond and made a huge save in the second half to keep the game scoreless. In the 66th minute, Orlando’s Braian Ojeda fired a corner kick in front of the goal that almost found the mark. Iago Teodoro’s attempt was blocked. Martin Ojeda then had another putback attempt blocked by a Dynamo defender to keep the game scoreless. Orlando City’s other great chance came just before halftime when Tyrese Spicer delivered a long, accurate cross that traveled right in front of Bond. Tiago came sliding in and fired the ball quickly, but it hit the crossbar and ricocheted away. It was one of multiple chances before the half for Orlando that didn’t find the mark. Houston had only one official shot on target in the first half but ended up with a 6-3 edge in that department by game’s end and outshot Orlando 19-17. Crepeau finished with four saves while Bond and Maurer combined for three saves. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hector #Herrera #Dynamo #deal #shutout #loss #Orlando #City

Formula One’s governing body has ​hailed drivers for their ‘invaluable’ input ahead of a teams meeting on ‌Monday that will put forward proposed rule changes to ​improve racing.

The sport has undergone the biggest change in ⁠decades on the chassis and engine with new power units that are split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power.

Drivers have, however, complained about ‌the impact on racing and raised safety concerns from having to ease off the throttle early and coast ‌into high-speed corners so the combustion engine can recharge the ‌battery.

International ⁠Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on social ⁠media on Sunday that there had been “constructive and collaborative discussion” between the governing body and drivers ahead of the meeting with team principals and F1 stakeholders.

“The ​drivers have provided invaluable input ‌on adjustments which they feel should be made, particularly in the areas of energy management to ensure safe, fair and competitive racing.”

Ben Sulayem said a series of meetings had also been ‌held with technical representatives of teams and engine manufacturers ​to discuss proposed changes.

“Safety and the best interests of the sport are the main focus of these discussions,” ⁠he added.

“Following the meeting tomorrow, the final proposals will be put before a FIA WMSC (World Motor Sport Council) e-Vote.”

Mercedes driver George Russell, ‌a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), told reporters last week that the relationship between the drivers and FIA was “probably the closest” it had been in years and the governing body understood what needed to be done.

“There have been some very positive conversations with the FIA, and everybody is aligned with what ‌we’re trying to achieve,” he said. “I think the two headline points are flat-out ​qualifying, so no lift and coast, and then reducing the closing speeds.”

Haas driver Oliver Bearman crashed heavily in ⁠Japan last month in an incident that sparked calls for the ⁠FIA to make safety-related changes.

Bearman’s car hit the barriers with a force of 50G after approaching and swerving to ‌avoid Franco Colapinto’s Alpine with a 50-kph difference in speed between the cars as one deployed an electrical power boost ​while the other was low on battery and lacked power.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Formula #FIA #hails #invaluable #input #drivers #ahead #rules #meeting">Formula One — FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting Formula One’s governing body has ​hailed drivers for their ‘invaluable’ input ahead of a teams meeting on ‌Monday that will put forward proposed rule changes to ​improve racing.The sport has undergone the biggest change in ⁠decades on the chassis and engine with new power units that are split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power.Drivers have, however, complained about ‌the impact on racing and raised safety concerns from having to ease off the throttle early and coast ‌into high-speed corners so the combustion engine can recharge the ‌battery.International ⁠Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on social ⁠media on Sunday that there had been “constructive and collaborative discussion” between the governing body and drivers ahead of the meeting with team principals and F1 stakeholders.“The ​drivers have provided invaluable input ‌on adjustments which they feel should be made, particularly in the areas of energy management to ensure safe, fair and competitive racing.”Ben Sulayem said a series of meetings had also been ‌held with technical representatives of teams and engine manufacturers ​to discuss proposed changes.“Safety and the best interests of the sport are the main focus of these discussions,” ⁠he added.“Following the meeting tomorrow, the final proposals will be put before a FIA WMSC (World Motor Sport Council) e-Vote.”Mercedes driver George Russell, ‌a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), told reporters last week that the relationship between the drivers and FIA was “probably the closest” it had been in years and the governing body understood what needed to be done.“There have been some very positive conversations with the FIA, and everybody is aligned with what ‌we’re trying to achieve,” he said. “I think the two headline points are flat-out ​qualifying, so no lift and coast, and then reducing the closing speeds.”Haas driver Oliver Bearman crashed heavily in ⁠Japan last month in an incident that sparked calls for the ⁠FIA to make safety-related changes.Bearman’s car hit the barriers with a force of 50G after approaching and swerving to ‌avoid Franco Colapinto’s Alpine with a 50-kph difference in speed between the cars as one deployed an electrical power boost ​while the other was low on battery and lacked power.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Formula #FIA #hails #invaluable #input #drivers #ahead #rules #meeting

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