Like an episodic dream, today's topics flow in and out of one another:

* The NY Times using The Athletic as an end-run about its sportswriters' union

* Victor Wembanyama + Britney Spears = ?

* When too much NBA is too much NBA

* The WNBA lets down its players re: travel -- again

* WNBA players use worker power to start a new offseason league

* Barca, Barca, Barca