The Minnesota Lynx's Offseason Journey Continues — Champions, New Beginnings, and What’s Next
It's that exciting time again! The latest installment of our Minnesota Lynx offseason update is here, revealing the latest developments, player movements, and performances from around the globe. But here’s where it gets interesting — while some players are hitting the court for new teams and conquering championships, others are quietly gearing up for upcoming challenges. Curious about how your favorite Lynx are doing this offseason? Read on to find out!
As 2026 kicks off and Unrivaled, the high-stakes basketball league, gets rolling, a handful of Lynx players have already returned to action. Many of those who have played overseas this year have celebrated global titles, proving their skills extend beyond the WNBA. Out of the 12 Lynx players planning to participate this offseason, 11 are already back on the hardwood, leaving just one still waiting to find their start.
The roster includes Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, Kayla McBride, Bridget Carleton, Jessica Shepard, Maia Hirsch, Dorka Juhász, Maria Kliundikova, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Camryn Taylor, and Jaylyn Sherrod. Unfortunately, Napheesa Collier had to sit out due to surgery on both ankles, which will keep her sidelined for 4–6 months—stopping her from participating this season.
Now, let’s explore where each player is competing, how they are performing, and who has yet to begin. Plus, we highlight some of their standout recent performances and seasons thus far.
Courtney Williams — Vinyl (Unrivaled)
Williams is back at Unrivaled for a second straight season, having been one of the first 32 players to join the league during its inaugural run last year. After a stint with the Lunar Owls, she now suits up for Team Vinyl. Though her offensive start has been slow, she’s been a solid contributor in rebounds and playmaking across three games. Her standout game occurred on January 11th against Hive, where she scored 12 points on an efficient shooting night, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out seven assists.
Statistics so far:
- Games: 3
- Points: 8.0 per game
- Rebounds: 6.0 per game
- Assists: 5.0 per game
- Blocks: 0.3 per game
Recent highlights:
- Jan 5 vs. Laces: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in 11 minutes
- Jan 9 vs. Rose: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists
- Jan 11 vs. Hive: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists in 15 minutes
Alanna Smith — Mist (Unrivaled)
For the first time in her pro career, Smith is spending her offseason stateside, battling in Unrivaled instead of overseas. She’s helped her team, Mist, start impressively at 2-0, providing offensive support, rebounding, and tough interior defense. Recently, she showed her versatility with a strong performance against Hive, notching 10 points, five rebounds, and five blocks.
Season stats:
- Games: 2
- Points: 9.0 per game
- Rebounds: 5.5 per game
- Blocks: 3.0 per game
- Assists: 0.5 per game
Recent games:
- Jan 5 vs. Hive: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks
- Jan 10 vs. Laces: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block
Natisha Hiedeman — Hive (Unrivaled)
Hiedeman is back for her second consecutive season in Unrivaled, having previously played for multiple teams and even winning a championship with Rose last year. She’s experienced some fluctuations in performance, but her energy continues to lift her team. Her impressive debut and consistent effort make her a valuable spark off the bench.
Season stats:
- Games: 3
- Points: 4.0 per game
- Rebounds: 2.3 per game
- Assists: 1.3 per game
- Steals: 0.6 per game
Latest games:
- Jan 5 vs. Mist: 9 points, 4 rebounds
- Jan 9 vs. Breeze: No points, 3 rebounds
- Jan 11 vs. Vinyl: 3 points, 2 assists
Kayla McBride — Fenerbahçe (Turkey)
McBride continues her successful run in Turkey, returning to Fenerbahçe for her second season outside the U.S. Her sharpshooting and playmaking prowess have helped the team to multiple victories, including winning the Turkish Cup once again. This season, she’s averaging nearly 13 points per game in the league, with her EuroLeague averages even higher, showcasing her offensive expertise.
Recent highlights:
- Jan 6 vs. Nesibe: 10 points, 3 assists
- Jan 9 vs. Mersin: 10 points, 5 rebounds
- Jan 11 vs. Galatasaray: Stats unavailable at this time
Bridget Carleton — USK Praha (Czech Republic)
Carleton’s journey has taken her to her seventh country, where she’s making an impact in Czech Republic and EuroLeague competition. Known for her versatility, she’s contributed across scoring, rebounding, and defense. Her standout game was a dominant 19-point performance with impressive shooting efficiency.
Season stats:
- Czech League: 7 games — 11.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG
- EuroLeague: 5 games — 10.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG
Recent performances:
- Jan 10 vs. SBS Ostrava: 19 points, 7 rebounds, dominating on both ends.
Jessica Shepard — Famila Schio (Italy)
Transferring to Italy this offseason, Shepard is making her mark with her scoring and rebounding ability. Her consistent double-double performances helped her team clinch the Italian Cup title recently. Her offensive efficiency remains high, and she’s proven to be a reliable contributor on both ends.
Season stats:
- Italian League: 11 games — 17.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG
- EuroLeague: 8 games — 15.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG
Recent games:
- Jan 6 vs. Derthona: 16 points, 8 rebounds
- Jan 10 vs. Broni: 19 points, 7 rebounds
Maria Kliundikova — UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia)
Returning to her home country, Kliundikova has been a steady force in Russia’s top professional league and EuroLeague. Her all-around game and defensive efforts have contributed to her team’s wins. Recent performances include wins against Dynamo NR and Sparta&K, although detailed stats are not available.
Dorka Juhász — Galatasaray (Turkey)
Juhász is now competing in Turkey, after earlier seasons in Italy. Though she sat out her 2025 WNBA season, she remains under contract with the Lynx through 2026. She’s playing an influential role for Galatasaray on both offense and defense, with recent participation in Turkish Cup matches, including helping her team reach the final.
Season highlights:
- Turkey League: 9 games — 13.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG
- EuroLeague: 10 games — 12.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG
Recent action:
- Jan 7 vs. Besiktas: 2 points, 7 rebounds
- Jan 11 vs. Fenerbahçe: No stats available
Anastasiia Olairi Kosu — UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia)
Kosu, like Kliundikova, is back home in Russia, continuing her development phase with UMMC. Her recent form features two double-digit scoring games, helping her team secure victories while gaining valuable experience for her continued growth.
Season stats:
- Russia-PBL: 9 games — 12.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG
Recent games:
- Jan 7 vs. Dynamo NR: 14 points
- Jan 11 vs. Sparta&K: 14 points
Maia Hirsch — Charleville-Mézières (France)
Hirsch, drafted by the Lynx in 2023, is still honing her skills abroad in France. She’s displayed steady improvement, contributing offensively and rebounding in limited minutes. Her current season averages indicate a promising development trajectory.
Season stats:
- French League: 11 games — 7.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG
- EuroLeague: 6 games — 7.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG
Recent games:
- Jan 7 vs. Landerneau: 3 points, 3 rebounds
- Jan 11 vs. Bourges: 6 points, 1 rebound
Camryn Taylor — Landerneau (France)
Taylor joined Landerneau after being part of the Lynx’s late-season roster in 2025. Though she started slowly this season, she’s now bouncing back with two consecutive double-digit scoring efforts. She remains eager to recapture her earlier form after not playing since late November.
Season stats:
- French League: 6 games — 5.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG
Recent performances:
- Nov 29 vs. Angers: 12 points, 2 rebounds
Finally, one more Lynx player will stay in the U.S. until the official start of Athletes Unlimited—Jaylyn Sherrod**. She’ll participate in this fast-paced, 5-on-5 league in Nashville beginning in early February, offering another exciting chapter for Minnesota’s offseason story.
As we wrap up this week’s update, it’s clear that Lynx players are actively competing worldwide, gaining experience, and preparing for their future seasons. Some are shining as champions, others are developing their game for bigger moments ahead. Is your favorite player surpassing expectations or facing unexpected challenges? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below. We look forward to bringing you the next update soon!
