No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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 Merchant

A’ja Wilson, Aces advance as Caitlin Clark, Fever fall short in playoffs by Sabreena Merchant

Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year by Sabreena Merchant

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The first-round Game 2s delivered drama, overtime and sweeps. Zena along with James Boyd break down everything you need to know, from the Wings’ overtime battle and the Fever forcing a decisive Game 3 against the Aces to the Liberty sweeping the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx and the Dream taking down a young and talented Mystics team. Plus, they unpack the biggest storylines and what’s next for the teams still fighting for a spot in the semifinals.

REFERENCES:

A’ja Wilson, Aces frazzled and frustrated in Fever loss. In Game 3, they must reclaim their identity by Brian Hamilton

A’ja Wilson confronts courtside fan, receives technical during Aces-Fever playoff game by James Boyd

Liberty become first No. 8 seed to beat No. 1 seed in WNBA playoffs, eliminate Lynx by Annie Costabile

WNBA playoffs results, takeaways: Dream ‘old head’ leads team to semis for 1st time since 2018 by Sabreena Merchant

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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/

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The WNBA playoff seeding is finally set! Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile are LIVE to preview Round One of the 2026 WNBA playoffs. How will the Wings fare against the Valkyries? What adjustments will the Lynx make for the Liberty? And how might A'ja vs Caitlin play out? Sabreena and Annie break it all down to get you ready before the games start on Sunday.

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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

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Olivia Miles’ rookie campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. From breaking the WNBA rookie scoring record to stepping up in Napheesa Collier’s absence, the Minnesota Lynx guard is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. In this episode, Chantel and Sabreena welcome senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “The curious spectacle of Olivia Miles.” The three dive into Miles’ inquisitive nature, her record-setting rookie season, and how her quiet demeanor meshes with the stardom brought on by Minneapolis. 

Plus, Zena, Sabreena, and Chantel break down the last Sabreena Scale of 2026 and get you caught up on all the playoff seeding possibilities as the regular season comes to a close.

And to wrap things up, our hosts revisit some of their boldest predictions. Which hot takes have turned cold?

References:

https://youtu.be/3b2RgueOkHA?si=CuNw89SSrGZwsnrS

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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.

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The WNBA returns Thursday night, and with just four games remaining, the playoff picture is still to be determined. Zena, Annie and Sabreena break down what’s at stake, including the latest from the Lynx, Wings, Liberty and Aces, key lineup changes, player health and how the FIBA World Cup break could impact the postseason. Plus, they look ahead to potential playoff matchups and ask: How much can these final four games change the playoff picture?

But first, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver weighs in on what the WNBA needs in its next commissioner, emphasizing the importance of a leader who can bring players and owners together.

Plus, Zena and Chantel sit down with Maryland guard Oluchi Okananwa, who reveals that more than 100 women’s college basketball players have joined the push to unionize through the United College Athletes Association.

REFERENCES: 

Adam Silver says next WNBA commissioner should help ‘unify’ the league by Annie Costabile

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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

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With a spot in Sunday’s gold medal game on the line, Chantel and Annie preview Team USA’s highly anticipated World Cup semifinal against Spain. They break down Spain’s strengths, the challenges this matchup presents and what the U.S. will need to do to keep its championship run alive.

The duo also look ahead to Sunday’s gold medal game and who could be waiting for Team USA if the U.S. advances.

REFERENCES: 

Team USA moves on to World Cup semifinals after blowout win over Hungary by Annie Costabile

Team USA helped raise the bar on worldwide competition. Now it must stay ahead by Chantel Jennings

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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