No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Zena and Layshia open their conversation with the return of A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier to USA Basketball, discussing how Team USA is shifting its focus toward developing younger talent and moving away from a more exclusionary approach. 

They then dive into the transition of the Connecticut Sun to the Houston Comets, highlighting the excitement surrounding the Comets’ return and the challenges facing the Sun’s fanbase. The duo also explores the role of NBA ownership in providing resources and stability, along with the cultural differences between Connecticut and Houston. 

We wrap things with a story on how WNBA players connected with a key figure in negotiations.

REFERENCES: 

A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier head to Team USA camp; Caitlin Clark to sit out session by Sabreena Merchant

Rockets owners to purchase Connecticut Sun, relocate team to Houston: Sources by Mike Vorkunov

Houston Comets expected to return after WNBA’s Connecticut Sun relocate to Texas  by Mike Vorkunov

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Zena and Chantel break down the Elite Eight games of the NCAA women’s tournament, taking a look at key moments and the players that made all the difference – from Blanca Quiñonez to Lauren Betts, and from Madison Booker to Madina Okot. Then, they turn their attention to the games of the Final Four, previewing what could happen on Friday in Phoenix. 

REFERENCES: 

UConn advances to 25th Final Four with win over Notre Dame  by Cameron Teague Robinson

Leave the nets … for now. UConn, as always, plans for bigger Final Four celebrations by Chantel Jennings 

How Angela Dugalić set the tone for UCLA’s Final Four run by Sabreena Merchant 

UCLA headed back to Final Four after comeback against Duke by Grace Rayoner

Lauren Betts and UCLA return to Final Four with unfinished business by Jerry Brewer

Texas decimates Michigan for return trip to Final Four  by Cameron Teague Robinson

Texas is 2 wins from Vic Schaefer’s first title and him saying it’s his best team by Chantel Jennings 

Final Four field is set: South Carolina joins fellow No. 1 seeds UConn, UCLA and Texas  by Grace Rayoner

First look at the Final Four: Who has the edge? South Carolina or UConn? Texas or UCLA?  by Sabreena Merchant 

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Zena and Sabreena react LIVE to the Sweet 16’s biggest moments, then break down the key matchups and players to watch heading into the Elite 8.

REFERENCES:

Women’s Sweet 16 takeaways: Duke’s buzzer-beater 3-pointer stuns LSU in epic finish by Cameron Teague Robinson, Chantel Jennings, Grace Raynor and Sabreena Merchant

Notre Dame’s unlikely run to the Elite Eight started with offseason dedication to Niele Ivey by Cameron Teague Robinson

Duke’s NCAA Tournament revenge tour continues. Up next: UCLA in the Elite Eight by Sabreena Merchant

A shot, a season, a stand: Duke and Ashlon Jackson refuse to fall against LSU by Jerry Brewer

Flau’jae Johnson’s final moment at LSU doesn’t define her storied career by: Devon Henderson

Kim Mulkey denies rumors she’s retiring after LSU’s Sweet 16 loss: ‘It’s just a lie’ by Grace Raynor

Women’s Sweet 16 takeaways: Michigan beats Louisville; TCU ends Virginia’s Cinderella bid by The Athletic College Basketball Staff

Geno Auriemma airs frustration with NCAA Tournament’s two-site regional format by Devon Henderson

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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Zena and Layshia begin by discussing the uncertain future of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert before turning to the upcoming expansion draft, where they analyze potential player selections and the strategic decisions facing new teams. 

They then explore the vital role of coaching, particularly under high-pressure circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication between coaches and players. Drawing on memorable game moments, they highlight the impact of player-coach interactions and the balance between intensity and care, showing how trust is crucial in challenging situations.

We close things out with Layshia’s Lens, featuring a buzzer-beater moment.

REFERENCES: 

Adam Silver praises Cathy Engelbert, but hasn’t discussed her future with WNBA board by Mike Vorkunov

WNBA sets expansion draft for April 3 as Toronto and Portland begin to build rosters by Curt Anderson

WNBA expansion draft big board: Who will Toronto and Portland select? by Sabreena Merchant

Maryland coach Brenda Frese went viral for yelling at Oluchi Okananwa. There’s more to the story  by Elise Devlin

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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YT: @No-Offseason 

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Chantel and Sabreena dive into the implications of the newly ratified WNBA CBA, exploring its impact on player contracts and how teams may approach free agency moving forward.

Then the duo take an in-depth look at the Sweet 16, analyzing the matchups and standout player performances while examining how crowd dynamics influence outcomes. They also explore the representation of different conferences in the tournament, highlighting trends, surprises, and potential upsets, giving fans a comprehensive view of what makes this stage of March Madness so exciting.

Lastly, they wrap things up with “And One More Thing,” discussing the hiring of Tammi Reiss at Florida and how she might go about restoring the program.

REFERENCES: 

What will Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more WNBA stars on rookie contracts now make? by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA’s Board of Governors joins players in unanimously ratifying new CBA by Sabreena Merchant 

WNBA term sheet reveals CBA details on schedule, facilities standards, more by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings 

First look at women’s Sweet 16: Predictions and breakdowns for each matchup by Sabreena Merchant, Chantel Jennings, Grace Raynor, and Cameron Teague Robinson

How much to become Cinderella? Virginia's March Madness run fueled in part by Reddit co-founder gift by Chantel Jennings

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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The WNBA players have unanimously approved the 2026 CBA agreement, and Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick off the episode by walking through the first steps of the CBA becoming official—and what happens next. They then break down the defining moments from the weekend in the women’s tournament.

Next, they dive into who could emerge as the next star of March Madness, exploring how personality, leadership, and team success shape the tournament’s rising faces. They highlight the legacy of established players like Flau'jae Johnson, the rise of stars such as Madison Booker, and the importance of clutch performances.

Finally, the crew dips into the mailbag to discuss the surprising lack of upsets in the women’s tournament.

REFERENCES: 

WNBA players approve new CBA in unanimous vote by Sabreena Merchant

Iowa avoids meltdown in stifling Carver-Hawkeye Arena for NCAA Tournament first-round win by Scott Dochternan

Fairleigh Dickinson coach calls for neutral NCAA sites following close call at Iowa by Scott Dochternan

Tennessee’s lost its edge. Can the Lady Vols get it back? by Chantel Jennings

Women’s NCAA Tournament first round takeaways: Clemson falls in OT after controversial call by Chantel Jennings, Grace Raynor, Cameron Teague Robinson, Sabreena Merchant and Scott Dochterman

Amaya Battle sends Minnesota to Sweet 16 with last-second jumper vs. Ole Miss by Chantel Jennings

Maryland coach Brenda Frese gives intense coaching moment to Oluchi Okananwa by Devon Henderson

Women’s March Madness second-round takeaways: Can Minnesota keep its March magic going? by Sabreena Merchant

Who will become women’s March Madness stars? Watch these standouts become famous by Eden Laase

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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As more news emerges about the WNBA CBA deal, Chantel and Sabreena break down the biggest wins for both sides.

Then with March Madness in full swing, they preview the weekend’s biggest matchups, diving into the storylines, potential upsets, and chaos that define the tournament. They break down teams like TCU and West Virginia, examine why South Dakota State could shake up brackets, and debate whether the Big East is deeper than expected—and how that could impact the field.

Finally, they wrap things up with ‘Something In Common.’

REFERENCES: 

WNBA’s historic labor agreement is worth toasting … for now by Chantel Jennings

Who are the top WNBA free agents? Get ready for a wild offseason after a new CBA deal by Sabreena Merchant

Women’s NCAA Tournament power rankings: Can Vanderbilt stay alive long enough to face UConn? by Eden Laase

Check out The Athletic's Interactive Bracket

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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From negotiations to victory — the WNBA and its players reach a historic CBA deal. Zena and Layshia, joined by Sabreena, break down key changes in revenue sharing, salary caps, and player benefits, as well as the timeline for the upcoming season.

Next, Zena and Layshia explore the evolution of CBA negotiations, the influence of star power, and the players’ fight for dignity, representation, and equality.

Finally, we wrap up with a new segment, ‘And One More Thing,’ highlighting a story or idea worth your attention.

REFERENCES: 

What’s next for the WNBA after reaching a historic CBA deal? by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA, players reach verbal agreement on new CBA after marathon negotiations by Mike Vorkunov, Sabreena Merchant and The Athletic Staff

Check out The Athletic's Interactive Bracket

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena Keita, Sabreena Merchant, Chantel Jennings, and our newest co-host—former WNBA star Layshia Clarendon—react LIVE to the seedings, snubs, and surprises revealed in the Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket, breaking down their March Madness picks in real time. Our resident bracketologist, Eden Laase, also joins the show to share her insights and analysis of the bracket.

REFERENCES: 

UCLA’s path to the Final Four requires getting through the tough Sacramento 2 Region The Athletic

2026 women’s March Madness bracket picks: Why Chantel Jennings picked UConn to win it all by Chantel Jennings

Download The Athletic's printable bracket

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA CBA negotiations are still ongoing, with no deal reached yet. Zena and Chantel break down the latest developments in the talks before diving into the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament and the dynamics of the current Team USA roster. 

Then, our resident bracketologist Eden Laase joins to dig into the biggest bracket storylines — from the battle between UConn and UCLA for the overall No. 1 seed to the bubble drama surrounding Colorado and Clemson. They unpack how conference tournament results are shaking up the field, what it means for teams fighting to get in, and why programs like USC and Tennessee could slip a bit lower than expected in the seeding.

REFERENCES: 

Overnight WNBA, players’ union talks fail to result in collective bargaining agreement: Reports by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA proposes higher salary cap in latest CBA offer, but still no deal by Chantel Jennings

Caitlin Clark shines with double-double in dominant Team USA victory by Sabreena Merchant

Women’s NCAA Tournament Bubble Watch: Will Clemson, Iowa State, Virginia make the field? By Eden Laase

Catch us live this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT / 9:30 PM ET on YouTube  for our bracket reactions!

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

TikTok: @no_offseason

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.