Napheesa Collier has now reacted to a viral claim about Nneka Ogwumike on social media. Fans were in shock after a video of a balloon decoration, seemingly at Target Center, Minnesota, was shared that read “Welcome Nneka.” The 2026 WNBA free agency has led to several rumors about players moving to new destinations swirling on social media.
Amid this, Ogwumike, who was on a one-year deal with the Seattle Storm, has been reportedly on the move to several locations, as per WNBA insider Annie Costabile. Minnesota might be one of the stops on her list. However, the video of balloon decoration at Target Center went viral, and fans had a field day.
However, Nneka herself took to Instagram to clarify the confusion and announce that she was just visiting the facility and has no plan to join the Lynx yet. She wrote:
“my fyp is getting a little too personal”
Interestingly, Napheesa Collier, who has been offered the core designation by the Lynx, also commented on the post with crying emojis. Fans jumped at her comment and expressed that they were convinced Ogwumike would be in Minnesota next season.
Meanwhile, the balloon company that shared the video has allegedly deleted the viral post on X. However, it was too late as fans had already turned it into a meme trend, ‘ballongate’, and even used it to mock teams like the Chicago Sky, which did not have big budgets and facilities to throw a fancy welcome. Although Collier’s comment has raised a lot of eyebrows in the WNBA world, there is no official confirmation from either side yet.
Napheesa Collier checks another achievement off her list
Napheesa Collier recently joined Sophie Cunningham and track and field athlete Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the latest lineup of SI swimsuit models of 2026. The Sports Illustrated’s official social media page shared a behind-the-scenes video of the three athletes enjoying their time on the shoot and showcasing confidence even off the court.
The caption of the post read:
“Elite x3
SI Swimsuit 2026 Athlete ShootThey don’t just compete, they dominate. Games, races, bikinis—you name it.”
While Collier has already decided to stay with the Minnesota Lynx, Sophie Cunningham is still searching for a place after playing the last season with the Indiana Fever. As the free agency period passes by, things will be clearer for players and fans as well.
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