No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The WNBA is taking a 17-day pause for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, but there’s still plenty to sort out before the playoffs. With just four games remaining when the league returns, Zena and Sabreena break down the current standings, potential playoff matchups, and which teams have the most at stake down the stretch. They look at the biggest strengths and weaknesses across the playoff field, the defensive adjustments that could make a difference, and the players and rivalries that could shape the postseason.Before getting into the playoff race, the duo reacts to the news that A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the FIBA World Cup, with Plum also set to miss the remainder of the WNBA season. They then turn to another major blow for the Las Vegas Aces, as NaLyssa Smith is officially out for the rest of the season with a leg injury. What does her absence mean for the defending champions heading into the playoffs?Plus, Zena and Sabreena discuss Angel Reese’s rescinded technical foul and what the original ruling could have meant for the Atlanta Dream.And finally, they open up the mailbag to break down temporary suspensions in the WNBA and how they can impact a team’s roster.WNBA stars A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum out for FIBA Women’s World Cup by Annie CostabileNaLyssa Smith has been ruled out for the season. What now for the Aces’ lineup? By Sabreena MerchantAngel Reese avoids automatic suspension after technical foul quickly rescinded by Sabreena MerchantCan Valkyries overtake Lynx’s top playoff seed? Our WNBA playoff picture forecast by Sabreena MerchantChapters(00:00) Intro(01:51) A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum to miss FIBA Women’s World Cup(04:11) Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron added to Team USA roster(07:14) NaLyssa Smith suffers season-ending injury(13:27) WNBA rescinds Angel Reese’s technical foul(18:17) WNBA playoff structure(19:48) How WNBA playoff home-court advantage works(20:09) WNBA tiebreaker scenario explained(25:43) Exploring the Wing’s playoff approach(31:02) Inside the Valkyries and Mystics defensive styles(32:57) Examining the Valkyries and Mystics offense(38:35) Could the Liberty be trouble for the Aces?(45:35) What gives the Dream an edge over the Fever?(50:56) The impact of the FIBA World Cup break on teams(54:36) Mailbag Question__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.

**Correction: In this episode, we incorrectly stated that Olivia Miles holds the all-time assists record for a Rookie. Caitlin Clark currently holds that record.Note: This episode was recorded before the Atlanta Dream signed DeWanna Bonner, so some of the discussion and analysis reflects the roster situation at the time of recording.DESCRIPTION: The playoff field is officially set, and we’re breaking down the biggest questions facing every team as the postseason approaches!Zena is joined by Atlanta Dream sideline reporter Autumn Johnson to take a closer look at the playoff picture, including why the Dream are hitting their stride at the perfect time and how head coach Karl Smesko has built trust and confidence within the team.Before diving into the postseason, we look at the record-breaking performances shaping the league. From Angel Reese’s historic rebounding numbers and Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring streak to Kayla McBride’s record-setting 3-point performance.Plus, Sabreena sits down with Charlotte Crown guard Deja Kelly of the UPSHOT league to discuss the league’s impact on women’s basketball, the opportunities it provides, her growth as a player, and the competitive environment the league creates.REFERENCES: Angel Reese breaks WNBA single-game and single-season rebounding records by Sabreena MerchantUPSHOT LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP__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’s award races are heating up as the regular season winds down. Sabreena and Annie kick things off by breaking down the impact of Azzi Fudd’s injury on the Dallas Wings and what it could mean for her development moving forward. Then, they dive into the MVP race featuring A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, while also discussing the possibility of co-MVPs and the growing influence of guards in the conversation.They also discuss the Coach of the Year race, including Cheryl Reeve and Natalie Nakase, and take a closer look at the Defensive Player of the Year debate, with Gabby Williams and A’ja Wilson among the names in the mix. With individual performance, team success and voting transparency all part of the conversation, the final games of the season could have a major impact on who takes home the hardware.Finally, the duo tells you which games to keep an eye on this weekend.REFERENCES: Dallas Wings’ top pick Azzi Fudd to undergo season-ending knee surgery by Sabreena Merchant and Brian HamiltonCaitlin Clark is having a banner season, so why isn't she in MVP conversations? by Sabreena Merchant and Annie CostabileOlivia Miles twists ankle, exits Lynx’s win over Valkyries in fourth quarter by Marcus Thompson II__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 playoff race is heating up, and the standings are getting tighter by the day! Zena and Sabreena break down the biggest performances and storylines from the weekend, starting with the Lynx-Aces matchup, which showcased the strengths of two of the league’s top contenders and what each team could bring to the postseason.Then, they turn their attention to the Fever and how their recent surge has propelled them up the standings — and whether they’ve finally found an identity at the right time. Plus, how will injuries impact the Wings’ playoff hopes, and can the Atlanta Dream overcome their inconsistency and missed opportunities in close games as the postseason approaches?To wrap things up, we answer a mailbag question about overseas play and the development opportunities it creates for WNBA players.REFERENCES: Point guard showdown in Indy ends in Caitlin Clark’s favor: Fever-Wings takeaways by James Boyd and Brian HamiltonWNBA power rankings: Will Clark-Bueckers become the next Wilson-Stewart rivalry? by Sabreena MerchantFever show championship mettle in win over Dream: ‘We’ve grown up’ by Brian HamiltonMercury retire Diana Taurasi’s No. 3, welcome WNBA legend to Ring of Honor by Annie CostabileCandace Parker and Elena Delle Donne changed basketball with help from Chicago by Shakeia Taylor__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.

How does a team know when it’s time to rebuild? Zena and Sabreena dive into the complexities of rebuilding in the WNBA, looking at teams that have gotten it right — including how the Washington Mystics stumbled into a rebuild that’s moving faster than expected. They also examine teams that have been forced into rebuilding, like the Seattle Storm after key free-agency losses.But first, the duo discusses Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White’s strong response to online criticism and how Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are making history together.To wrap things up, we brainstorm ways to make Rivals Week even bigger and more compelling in the WNBA.REFERENCES: Fever coach Stephanie White fires back at online criticism: ‘Everybody else can go to hell’ By Brian Hamilton__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 Golden State Valkyries have quickly established themselves as a successful franchise in the WNBA. Brian Hamilton returns to join Sabreena for a closer look at the team’s rapid rise and the blueprint behind their immediate impact.The duo breaks down the many factors fueling the Valkyries’ success — from prioritizing the player experience and creating an electric home-court atmosphere at Ballhalla to building a competitive roster featuring lesser-known players who have made a major impact. They also examine how Golden State has maximized its talent and why All-Star Gabby Williams chose to join the franchise in free agency.Before diving into the Valkyries, Sabreena and Brian discuss Team USA’s roster for the FIBA World Cup, the balance between veteran leadership and emerging young talent, and what the next generation of the program could look like.Finally, we wrap with the must-watch matchups of the  weekend.REFERENCES: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lead USA Basketball’s necessary youth movement by Sabreena MerchantCaitlin Clark, Angel Reese to make FIBA World Cup debuts with U.S. women’s national team by Annie CostabileInside the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar success that’s setting a new WNBA bar by Brian HamiltonCaitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lead USA Basketball’s necessary youth movement by Sabreena MerchantCaitlin Clark, Angel Reese to make FIBA World Cup debuts with U.S. women’s national team by Annie CostabileInside the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar success that’s setting a new WNBA bar by Brian Hamilton__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 trade deadline has come and gone, and while the league didn’t see a flood of moves, one blockbuster trade changed the conversation. Zena and Sabreena break down the Phoenix Mercury’s acquisition of Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks and discuss what this move means for Phoenix’s playoff hopes and the race for the postseason.Before diving into the trade deadline fallout, the duo opens the show with the ongoing controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender girls in youth sports,  which sparked rallies and counter-rallies WNBA games. Sabreena breaks down what happened at those rallies, the conversations happening around the league, and Cheryl Reeve’s call for leadership, accountability, and inclusivity within the WNBA.To close out the episode, we look ahead to the future of All-Star Weekend and discuss which cities could be strong contenders to host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game.REFERENCES: Cheryl Reeve: WNBA must be ‘safe space for everyone,’ regardless of viewpoint by Devon HendersonWNBA power rankings: Olivia Miles has Minnesota Lynx soaring by Sabreena MerchantDallas Wings to play home games at American Airlines Center in 2027 by Sabreena MerchantConnecticut Sun trade Aneesah Morrow to Toronto Tempo by Annie Coastabile__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 trade deadline is approaching, and the rumors, speculation, and potential moves are heating up. Sabreena and Annie break down the complexities of player contracts, the challenges of making trades within the league’s salary cap structure, and which players could realistically be on the move.Before diving into the trade market, the duo discuss some of the league’s recent optics and the conversations surrounding them — including the WNBA’s social media controversy after the league posted and later deleted a video featuring a wager between Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, as well as the incident involving Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton, who was suspended by the league following an interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham during a game.To close out the episode, we answer a listener's question about rebuilding in the WNBA: When is the right time for a team to start over and build for the future?REFERENCES: WNBA deletes, apologizes for social media post showing wager between Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers by Devon Henderson and Annie CostabileStorm owner suspended after interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham by Mark PuleoWe played WNBA general manager with your trade proposals. Who says no? 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 took over Chicago for a weekend! Zena, Annie, and Sabreena share the behind-the-scenes experience covering All-Star Weekend, from the energy inside the city to Barack Obama’s appearance and the biggest storylines that shaped the event.The trio breaks down Azzi Fudd’s historic 3-Point Contest win, the introduction of the Shooting Stars competition, and what the league can do to continue evolving the All-Star experience. They also examine Cathy Engelbert’s All-Star Weekend press conference, discussing the WNBA’s new centralized replay center, ongoing officiating concerns, and the commissioner’s comments on improving communication and trust with players.Plus, we revisited the biggest moments from the All-Star Game, including Team Spoon’s victory, Jonquel Jones’ MVP performance, Dominique Malonga’s highlight-reel dunk, and the rise of the league’s next generation of stars.We close out with “And One More Thing,” celebrating Angel Reese’s new Barbie doll and her growing impact both on and off the court.REFERENCES: The WNBA All-Stars met Obama and found the good vibes that have been missing by Brian HamiltonAzzi Fudd becomes first rookie to win WNBA 3-point contest by Sabreena MerchantWNBA to launch replay center for 2027 season by Sabreena MerchantCathy Engelbert admits ‘we have to be better’ at communicating with WNBA players by Annie Costabile2026 WNBA All-Star Game takeaways: A dunk, a worthy MVP and a plea for intensity by Brian HamiltonWNBA All-Star Game winners, losers: The phenoms and their phenomenal weekend by Sabreena MerchantCathy Engelbert may be unpopular with WNBA players, but she's not paid to be their bestie by Candace BucknerAngel Reese’s signature Barbie doll to debut at WNBA’s All-Star weekend by Jason Jones __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 participants for the WNBA All-Star Three-Point Contest are officially set, and rookie Azzi Fudd is the lone first-year player in the field. Zena and Annie break down the competition, discuss the favorites, and examine which notable names won't be competing.Then, the conversation shifts into the growing arms race around WNBA facilities—why teams like the Lynx and Aces are raising the bar, what it means for organizations still playing catch-up like the Sky, and how better facilities are becoming a critical part of player recruitment, performance, and trust as the league pushes toward new standards by 2028.Then, to close out the show, it's all about fun as Zena quizzes Annie with a round of Chicago sports trivia.REFERENCES: Wings’ Azzi Fudd headlines 3-point contest field at WNBA All-Star Weekend by Sabreena MerchantAmid tension, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert meets with players by Annie CostabileNapheesa Collier has double-double in season debut for Lynx by Sabreena Merchant and 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.