Napheesa Collier Husband | The Man Behind the WNBA Star’s Success Updated 2025

Napheesa Collier is known worldwide as a WNBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and passionate advocate for women in sports. 

But behind her relentless dedication and career dominance stands a man who not only supports her but also contributes immensely to the basketball world in his own right—her husband, Alex Bazzell. 

From being a respected NBA/WNBA skills coach to co-founding a groundbreaking women’s league, Alex is far more than just “Napheesa’s husband.”

This article dives into who Alex Bazzell is, how he met Napheesa, their love story, his coaching legacy, fatherhood journey, and their life as a basketball power couple.

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Napheesa Collier Husband

Napheesa Collier is married to Alex Bazzell, a respected basketball skills trainer and entrepreneur. 

The couple’s story began when Alex started training Napheesa during her college years at the University of Connecticut (UConn). 

Their professional relationship evolved into a romantic one, and they began dating in 2017.

Alex Bazzell has trained top-tier athletes including NBA and WNBA stars such as Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony, and Trae Young. 

Beyond coaching, he co-founded Unrivaled, a women’s 3-on-3 professional basketball league, alongside Napheesa and WNBA star Breanna Stewart.

The couple got engaged in October 2019, welcomed their daughter Mila Sarah Bazzell in May 2022, and were married in October 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Together, they represent one of the most dynamic power couples in basketball—balancing elite athleticism, business leadership, and family life.

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Napheesa Collier Parents

Napheesa Collier was born to Sarah and Gershon Collier. Her diverse family background has played a significant role in shaping her character and values.

• Mother: Sarah Collier is of American descent and has remained relatively private, though she is known to be a strong support system in Napheesa’s life and career.
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• Father: Gershon Collier was born in Sierra Leone and was a prominent legal figure. Copy

He was a former Sierra Leonean diplomat, Supreme Court justice, and law professor, contributing significantly to international law and governance. 

Gershon passed away in 2013, when Napheesa was still in high school. His legacy of excellence, intellect, and perseverance continues to inspire Napheesa.

She has often spoken about how her father’s influence and her multicultural heritage have helped her navigate challenges, both in sports and life.

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Napheesa Collier Stats

Napheesa Collier has consistently proven herself as one of the WNBA’s top-performing athletes. 

A forward with a versatile game, she is known for her scoring efficiency, defensive prowess, and leadership.

Key career stats (as of 2024 season):

• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
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• Position: Forward
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• College: UConn (2015–2019)
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• WNBA Draft: 2019, 1st Round (6th overall) by Minnesota Lynx
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Notable WNBA career stats:

• Points per game (PPG): 17.8
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• Rebounds per game (RPG): 8.3
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• Assists per game (APG): 2.6
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• Steals per game: 1.5
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• Blocks per game: 1.2
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• Field Goal %: 47.9%
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• Free Throw %: 83%
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She was named:

• 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year finalist
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• WNBA All-Star in multiple seasons (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024)
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• 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist with Team USA
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Collier’s combination of efficiency and two-way play has made her a cornerstone of the Minnesota Lynx.

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Napheesa Collier Injury

Napheesa Collier suffered a significant injury in 2022 that affected her playing time and drew public attention. 

She underwent surgery due to a right foot stress fracture, a common but serious injury for athletes who rely heavily on agility and lateral movement.

As a result:

• She missed most of the 2022 WNBA season.
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• The injury occurred shortly before or after her pregnancy announcement.
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• Despite limited availability, Collier made a heroic return late in the season to honor her former teammate Sylvia Fowles, playing the final games to show support and leadership.
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Her recovery was closely monitored, and she returned fully healthy in 2023, where she bounced back stronger than ever, showing elite form and again becoming an All-Star. 

Her comeback story reflects her resilience, mental strength, and work ethic—traits that define her career.

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Napheesa Collier Net Worth

As of 2025, Napheesa Collier’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $5 million. Her earnings come from multiple sources:

1. WNBA Salary

• Her base salary as a star player for the Minnesota Lynx ranges from $200,000 to $250,000 per year under the current WNBA collective bargaining agreement.
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2. Endorsements

• She has deals with top brands in athletic wear and women’s health, including:
  
  • Nike
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  • Opill (birth control brand)
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  • EcoAthletes
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  • Gatorade (campaign-based promotions)
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3. Business Ventures

• Collier is a co-founder of Unrivaled, a women’s 3×3 pro league that will offer year-round play, sponsorship deals, and equity shares for players.
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• She also holds a stake in Through the Lens, a branding and athlete media platform.
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4. Speaking Engagements & Appearances

• As an Olympic gold medalist, she is often invited to youth basketball camps, athlete panels, and leadership conferences.
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Napheesa’s financial growth is driven not just by her on-court success but also her off-court business acumen and advocacy.

Who Is Alex Bazzell? From College Point Guard to Elite NBA Skills Coach

Alex Bazzell was born on April 20, 1990, in St. Charles, Missouri. 

Growing up in a family with a love for sports, Alex played college basketball at Lindenwood University, where he developed the sharp court IQ and leadership skills that would later fuel his coaching career.

After college, Alex transitioned into a basketball skills coach, quickly becoming a sought-after name in the NBA and WNBA training circuit. His client list includes stars like:

• Kyrie Irving
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• Carmelo Anthony
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• Trae Young
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• Napheesa Collier
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His coaching style is deeply inspired by the Mamba Mentality. 

In fact, Alex has openly credited Kobe Bryant as a major influence in how he trains players—focusing not just on skill development, but mindset transformation.

Key facts about Alex:

• Full name: Alex Bazzell
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• Birthplace: St. Charles, Missouri
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• Profession: Professional basketball skills coach, entrepreneur
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• Clients: NBA/WNBA stars
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• Education: Lindenwood University (BA, Basketball)
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How Napheesa Collier Met Her Husband | A Story That Began on the Court

Unlike typical sports romances, the story of Napheesa and Alex began as a coach-athlete relationship. 

They met when Napheesa was still in high school, but their bond truly formed during her college years at UConn.

Their professional partnership slowly turned personal. 

Alex began coaching Napheesa regularly and, over time, the connection deepened. 

They started dating during her junior year, sharing long training sessions, basketball goals, and values off the court.

Timeline of their relationship:

• 2015: Alex begins coaching Napheesa
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• 2017: The two start dating
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• October 2019: Alex proposes
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• May 2022: Their daughter Mila is born
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• October 2022: They get married in St. Louis, Missouri
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What made their relationship work was their shared discipline, mutual respect, and a love for basketball that translated into a deep emotional connection.

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Life as a Father and Husband | Alex Bazzell’s Role in Their Family

When Napheesa and Alex welcomed their daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell, in May 2022, it marked a new chapter in their relationship. 

Alex took on the role of a father with complete commitment—juggling diaper duty, bedtime routines, and his coaching responsibilities with ease.

In interviews, Napheesa often praises Alex for his emotional support and parenting style. 

She has said that he encourages her to shine both as an athlete and as a mother, making the balance between work and family more sustainable.

Alex himself speaks with warmth and depth about fatherhood. He’s shared that he wants Mila to grow up surrounded by strong women and exposed to basketball, but without pressure. 

Their parenting philosophy is clear: Raise an independent, confident child with freedom to explore her passions.

Fatherhood highlights:

• Proudly calls Napheesa “a supermom”
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• Believes in co-parenting with shared responsibilities
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• Champions work-life balance for both partners
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• Frequently features their daughter on social media, showing a relatable side
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The Business Side | Building a Basketball Empire with Napheesa

Alex and Napheesa aren’t just a couple in love—they’re also business partners. 

Along with WNBA star Breanna Stewart, they co-founded Unrivaled, a women’s 3-on-3 professional basketball league launched in 2025.

While Napheesa plays and promotes the league from the inside, Alex handles its management and strategy as President. Together, their goal is to:

• Provide year-round income opportunities for female basketball players
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• Create a platform with more media visibility for women in sports
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• Innovate the game with new formats and business models
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In addition to Unrivaled, Alex co-founded Through the Lens, a media and branding agency that helps female athletes build their digital presence and monetize their off-court talents.

Their teamwork illustrates their deep trust and shared vision—bringing equality, opportunity, and excitement to women’s basketball in a way that’s never been done before.

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Alex Bazzell’s Personal Life, Values, and Identity Beyond Napheesa

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Alex’s identity is overshadowed by his superstar wife. 

But in reality, Alex Bazzell has carved a distinct identity.

He values hard work, humility, and empowerment. 

Whether working with NBA rookies or mentoring young coaches, Alex maintains a grounded personality.

What sets him apart:

• Strong communication skills (often seen in podcasts and interviews)
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• Unshakable mental discipline, even under pressure
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• Passion for creating systems—not just teaching drills
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While many know him as “Napheesa’s husband,” his brand stands independently as a respected trainer, entrepreneur, and father. 

He’s not in competition with his wife—he’s in collaboration with her.

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Public Perception, Fan Interest & Social Media Buzz

Fans love the Bazzell-Collier family dynamic. Their Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) feeds often include:

• Heartwarming family moments with baby Mila
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• Romantic posts and birthday shoutouts
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• Behind-the-scenes glimpses from WNBA games
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• Teamwork videos from practice sessions
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For example, a Christmas post showing the family in matching pajamas went viral in 2024, with WNBA stars like Cameron Brink calling it “the cutest content ever.”

Fan FAQs

• What does Napheesa Collier’s husband do?
  He is a pro basketball trainer and league co-founder.
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• Is he older than her?
  Yes, Alex was born in 1990, while Napheesa was born in 1996.
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• How did they meet?
  He began training her while she was still in college.
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• Do they have kids?
  Yes, a daughter named Mila born in 2022.
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• What is his net worth?
  Estimated at $1–2 million, mostly from coaching and entrepreneurship.
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Their relatable, grounded, yet inspiring family image sets them apart from other celebrity-athlete couples.

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Conclusion | Why Alex Bazzell Is More Than “Napheesa Collier’s Husband”

The love story of Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell isn’t just about an athlete and her coach. It’s a story of partnership, mutual growth, and shared dreams. 

Alex is not a background figure—he’s a leader in basketball development, a nurturing father, a visionary entrepreneur, and a steadfast supporter of his wife’s success.

As they raise their daughter, build new leagues, and rewrite the rules of basketball power couples, one thing is certain: Alex Bazzell is leaving his own legacy—on and off the court.