No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The WNBA Finals are here, and the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are ready for a championship showdown! Chantel, Annie and Sabreena preview the Finals series between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, breaking down the biggest storylines, including the Dream’s move to State Farm Arena, Angel Reese’s impact, and how these two teams have forged their own paths to success.Which team has the edge? The crew breaks down the key matchups that could decide the series, from the battle in the paint and on the boards to defensive strategies, controlling the pace, and the coaching chess match. Plus, they spotlight the players to watch and share their predictions for who will be crowned WNBA champions.Plus, the crew gets into the Halloween spirit by revealing their costumes ahead of Halloween!REFERENCES: Atlanta Dream change playoff date, time to host finals games at State Farm Arena by Chantel JenningsWNBA Finals matchup: Can Dream score on Valkyries' defense? Is Jordin Canada the X-factor? by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA Finals are set, and the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream are proving there’s a different path to winning a championship than we’ve seen in previous seasons. Chantel and Sabreena break down the playoff runs that brought these two teams to the Finals, from Atlanta’s sweep of the New York Liberty to Golden State’s stunning upset of the defending champions Las Vegas Aces.Plus, what did the Liberty’s Big Three reveal with their reactions to questions about their coach? How will the Aces approach roster construction this offseason? And why is searching the globe for talent worth it?They also discuss Atlanta’s venue controversy, Allisha Gray’s injury status and what it could mean for the Dream’s championship hopes, plus how the Valkyries are changing the timeline for success in the WNBA.REFERENCES: Atlanta Dream headed to first WNBA Finals since 2013, eliminate New York Liberty by Annie Costabile and Chantel JenningsAngel Reese is WNBA’s last young star standing — just as she manifested by Chantel JenningsWelcome to a new era of the WNBA, courtesy of Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream by Brian HamiltonValkyries defense shifted into high gear to sweep the Aces, advance to WNBA Finals by Marcus Thompson IIWNBA Finals predictions: Valkyries or Dream? Our experts make their picks by Annie Costabile, Chantel Jennings, Brian Hamilton and Marcus Thompson IIAfter playoff elimination, Liberty players’ silence on coach Chris DeMarco speaks volumes by Annie CostabileWNBA Finals questions: Do Valkyries or Dream have the defensive edge? Will Gray be back? by Chantel Jennings__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s next for Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever? Brian Hamilton and Candace Buckner break down Cunningham’s season, the controversy surrounding the Fever, and how it has impacted the team.They also dive into what it takes to build the right supporting cast around Caitlin Clark, including Kelsey Mitchell’s future, player personalities, the pressure of playing alongside a superstar and the challenges that come with the Fever’s massive spotlight. Plus, what should Indiana prioritize as it looks to build a team capable of competing at the highest level?REFERENCES: Fever should part with Sophie Cunningham. She’s too turbulent to be paired with Caitlin Clark by Candace Buckner__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first round ends with two wild winner-take-all games, and Zena and Sabreena are breaking it all down. They react to the Valkyries eliminating the Wings in a thrilling Game 3 at Ballhalla, then turn to Las Vegas, where the Aces took down the Fever to punch their ticket to the semifinals. From there, it’s all about what’s next. The duo previews both semifinal matchups — Aces vs. Valkyries and Liberty vs. Dream — diving into the key matchups, biggest questions and X-factors to watch as the next round gets underway.REFERENCES:Golden State Valkyries advance to first semifinals, setting up showdown with Aces by Sabreena MerchantA’ja Wilson, Aces advance as Caitlin Clark, Fever fall short in playoffs by Sabreena MerchantAngel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She’s a full-fledged celebrity. A cultural phenomenon. And a mirror to society through sports. Everyone– from journalists to fans to political pundits– have an opinion on who Caitlin Clark is and what is expected of her.But, has anyone actually asked Clark herself?In this episode, Chantel welcomes senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “Can the WNBA’s biggest star just play basketball? Let’s ask Caitlin Clark.” The pair unpacks Clark’s role in advocacy, outside pressure placed on her, and what her day-to-day life actually looks like. But first: Zena, Sabreena, and Chantel break down all the action from Sunday’s four playoff matchups. From A’Ja Wilson’s historic performance to veterans stepping up for several squads, the crew provides their analysis on each opening contest and what to expect in the final games of round one.REFERENCES:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7626435/2026/09/25/caitlin-clark-profile-wnba-basketball-gardening/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7633515/2026/09/27/aja-wilson-vegas-aces-wnba-playoffs/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7632770/2026/09/27/wnba-playoffs-results-takeaways-scores-first-round/__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of the regular season is upon us, which means it is time give out accolades for the 2026 WNBA season. Annie joins Zena and Sabreena to unpack how the votes shook out for several categories. Does A’Ja Wilson repeat as MVP? Who deserves Defensive Player of the Year? Plus, Zena and Sabreena break down what you need to know about postseason seeding and which games to keep an eye on during the last night of the regular season.And to wrap things up, Zena and Sabreena share their takeaways from The Athletic’s All-WNBA first and second teams. Find out who headlines the list— and who didn’t make the cut.References:What’s still at stake in the WNBA regular season. Plus: Lisa Leslie gets the statue treatment - The Athletic __No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dallas Wings have had a turnaround season! Dallas Wings forward Alysha Clark joins Zena and Annie to break down the Wings’ turnaround season under new head coach Jose Fernandez, from building a new culture and establishing accountability to developing trust and confidence behind the scenes. She shares what fans may not see from the outside and explains how the team’s identity, adaptability and preparation will be tested as the playoffs approach.Plus, Alysha opens up about her new children’s book, Paw Paw’s Playlist, a deeply personal project inspired by the loss of her father and her desire to help kids understand and process grief and big emotions.And to wrap things up, Alysha joins Zena and Annie for a fun game of “Build the Playlist,” revealing favorite songs, nostalgic tracks and the music that has soundtracked her life.__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chantel and Annie react to the U.S. capturing its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup gold medal, breaking down how Team USA overcame the challenges of the gold medal game and what ultimately made the difference in another championship run.The duo also spotlight Sue Bird’s leadership as Managing Director of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team and the impact she has had on a program that continues to set the standard on the international stage.They also break down Breanna Stewart’s standout performance and leadership, while also highlighting the contributions of the roster’s “young and turnt” group and the veterans who stepped up when Team USA needed them most.With another gold medal secured, the duo looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and explores how USA Basketball will balance its emerging young stars with the veteran leaders who have set the standard.REFERENCES:Team USA takes down France for fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal by Annie Costabile__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Team USA is finding its footing at the World Cup, while one of the most iconic stories in women’s basketball gets the documentary treatment. We kick things off with Chantel and Annie breaking down Team USA’s World Cup run, taking a closer look at their matchups against China, Italy and Czechia. They examine the team’s evolving chemistry, the challenges it has faced and the players emerging as leaders.Then, Annie and Sabreena go behind the scenes of The Dynasty: UConn Huskies with co-directors Matthew Hamachek and Erica Sashin. They reveal what went into capturing the history and legacy of UConn women’s basketball, from the complexities of telling Geno Auriemma’s story to his relationships with players like Paige Bueckers. The directors also open up about their creative process, building trust with their subjects and finding the emotional moments that helped shape the series.REFERENCES: Team USA dominates China to open FIBA Women’s World Cup by Jenna WestTeam USA struggles and survives World Cup scare from Italy by Chantel Jennings Team USA bounces back from rough outing by dominating Czechia by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.