Indianapolis – It’s a good time to be Napheesa Collier. It’s also demanding and exhausting. Collier was named MVP of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night after scoring a record-setting 36 points and grabbing nine rebounds. She has emerged as a prominent voice for the Women’s National Basketball Players Association during their historic labor negotiations with the league.

“She has balls,” said fellow All-Star and Minnesota Lynx teammate Courtney Williams. “Seeing the things that – to play basketball and then have constant meetings and interviews, the girl is just, man, to see it inspires me. I be like, ‘Damn, she be getting it in for real.’”

Collier co-founded Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league that tipped off its inaugural season in January, offering WNBA players a chance to train and compete at elite levels without having to go overseas, with an average salary of $222,000.

During this season, Collier’s leadership and performance have been outstanding, with incredible averages of 23.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and strong defensive stats. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, especially as the WNBPA seeks to negotiate higher salaries and a greater share of league revenue as they prepare for a new collective bargaining agreement.

Collier MVP

“The players are what is building this brand and this league,” Collier emphasized with the MVP trophy by her side. “There is no league without the players, and the past, present, the new ones coming up, they’re the ones that have put in the blood, sweat, and tears for the new money that’s coming in.”

As negotiations for a new CBA progress, Collier continues to receive accolades for her on-court achievements alongside her significant contributions off the court.