No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Due to the AWS outage our full episode will be released later this week. Thanks for your patience!

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No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

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Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben kick things off with an unintentional announcement — the Portland Fire’s head coach was announced via a deleted, unexplained post. They dive into the resulting awkwardness and debate whether the announcement was meant for another time.

Then, the conversation shifts to the NBA’s announcement of three new referees advancing into its ranks — a move that raises questions about officiating standards in the WNBA.

From there, free agency explained. The crew breaks down team strategies and shifting rosters, asking the big questions: Will Angel Reese stay in Chicago? How will the Fever build around Caitlin Clark? And is the Arike Ogunbowale era in Dallas nearing its end?

Finally, they wrap things up with some head-scratching social media moments that leave the crew — and listeners — wondering what exactly is going on.

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References:

WNBA season is most viewed ever on ESPN networks by Richard Deitsch

2025 WNBA free agency: Which players could make the biggest moves? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

After one more look back on the WNBA Finals — and Finals MVP A’ja Wilson taking a seat next to Ben Pickman at her victory press conference — Zena, Sabreena, and Ben take a bigger-picture look at the 2025 WNBA season. They get into some of the trends that defined this year, from the demographics of the fans and the explosion of the WNBA into popular culture to some on-court trends. Finally, Ben absolutely stumps Zena and Sabreena with one final game testing their ability to remember the most anomalous stat lines of the year. 

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References:

How the Phoenix Mercury’s ‘think outside the box’ roster-building created a winner by Sabreena Merchant

A new generation is embracing the WNBA, including young boys by Ben Pickman

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

The Aces completed a four-game sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the first-ever best-of-seven WNBA Finals - Ben, Sabreena and senior writer Marcus Thompson II were on the scene at the Mortgage Matchup Center, where the Aces’ were crowned as the 2025 WNBA champions. Together, they discuss A’ja Wilson's outstanding performance, the Aces' dominance over the Phoenix Mercury, and the future of the Phoenix Mercury. 

Then - they turn their attention to the WNBA championship ceremony where there were noticeable boos from the crowd whenever WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the mic. What does it all mean? Has Cathy also lost favor with the fans? And ​​what will her next steps be during the postseason?

Lastly - the crew wrap things up with their favorite moments from Game 4.

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References:

Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts ejected for double technical foul in Game 4 loss of WNBA Finals by Sabreena Merchant 

Las Vegas Aces claim WNBA championship with sweep of Phoenix Mercury by Ben Pickman 

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

The Aces are now one win away from their third WNBA championship in four years! Zena, Ben and Sabreena share their takeaways on A’ja Wilson’s pivotal performance and the impact of the Aces supporting cast that  impeded on a Mercury comeback.  Why have the Mercury struggled so hard to find their rhythm in the Finals? Are the Aces’ just too dominant to overcome? And how will the WNBA Finals end?

Then -the crew discuss their thoughts about the latest chatter surrounding the WNBA CBA negotiations.

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References:

A’ja Wilson’s heroic shot gives Las Vegas Aces a 3-0 WNBA Finals lead over Phoenix Mercury by Sabreena Merchant

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

Another history-making night in the W - Jackie Young sets a new WNBA Finals record with 21 points in a single quarter. The Athletic’s senior columnist Marcus Thompson II joins Ben and Sabreena to analyze the Aces' victory over the Mercury in Game 2. Together, they cover the defensive strategies employed by the Aces and the challenges faced by the Mercury. 

Plus - they share their insights into what the Mercury need to do to turn the series around in Game 3.

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References:

Jackie Young scores 32 as Las Vegas dominates Phoenix for 2-0 lead in WNBA Finals by Sabreena Merchant 

Are the Las Vegas Aces unstoppable? So far, the Phoenix Mercury can’t figure them out by Ben Pickman 

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

Following an absolutely electric Game 1 of the WNBA finals - Ben and Sabreena are live from Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, breaking down moments from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s response to player criticism, officiating and player-league dynamics. Is Engelbert's latest response enough to quiet the criticism? How will  the league move forward after her controversial remarks? 

Then they turn their attention to the Aces clutch bench performance and how the Mercury allowed a golden opportunity to slip away in the closing moments of Game 1. 

Plus -they look ahead to each team's strategy in Game 2. 

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References:

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addresses player criticism, CBA, officiating, job security by Ben Pickman

Cathy Engelbert is not the WNBA’s future. Soon, the commish may not even be its present by Marcus Thompson II

WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces take Game 1 with comeback victory against Phoenix Mercury by Ben Pickman

Las Vegas Aces get in a (defensive) zone to stage WNBA Finals comeback win in opener by Sabreena Merchant 

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena gather to discuss Napheesa Collier’s explosive exit interview statement, examining Phee’s words and the meaning underlying them from nearly every angle — what players really think about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the power dynamics at play and the NBA’s role behind the scenes, the physicality of the current game and the rise of injuries, the influence of Unrivaled, and the element threaded through all of this: the frustration over ongoing CBA negotiations and the potential of a work stoppage. 

Then, with Ben and Sabreena reporting on the ground in Vegas, the crew weighs in on the storylines to watch as the Aces-Mercury Finals match-up gets underway Friday night. Plus: who might have the edge to win it all?

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References:

Napheesa Collier calls out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert: ‘Worst leadership in the world’ by Ben Pickman 

Caitlin Clark will not play in Unrivaled this winter: Source by Ben Pickman and Alex Andrejev

WNBA players say CBA negotiations are stalling as deadline nears by Sabreena Merchant

Is the WNBA headed for a work stoppage? The consequences could be grim for the league by Ben Pickman

The Las Vegas Aces heard your doubts. … It fueled their run back to the WNBA Finals by Sabreena Merchant 

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena take a dive deep into the highly anticipated Game 5 semifinals match-up between the Aces and Fever. Will A’ja Wilson bring her A-game? What adjustments will the Aces make? And how can the Fever pull off the ultimate upset? Then, the crew share their thoughts on the emotional end to the Lynx’s season – and the Mercury’s ascendance to the Finals. 

Next, following Cheryl Reeve’s suspension after the Mercury-Lynx Game 3 on Friday night, Zena, Ben, and Sabreena talk about the play in question between Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier – before getting into the intricacies behind freedom of movement in the WNBA and the implications of officiating decisions as teams continue to navigate the playoffs.

Finally, The Athletic’s Sports Betting Editor, Hannah Vanbiber joins Zena and Ben to discuss the basics of sports betting – from money lines to point spreads and totals – before entertaining some made-up WNBA prop bets.  

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References:

Indiana Fever stave off elimination, even WNBA semifinals against Las Vegas Aces by Sabreena Merchant 

How did the Indiana Fever avoid collapsing? A season-long bond keeps them fighting by Sabreena Merchant

Minnesota Lynx eliminated from WNBA playoffs, Phoenix Mercury reach finals by Ben Pickman 

Minnesota Lynx couldn’t get back to WNBA Finals. Next year’s quest might get even harder by Ben Pickman

WNBA fines Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve $15,000 after Game 3 ejection, suspension: Source by Sabreena Merchant 

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.

Following two technical fouls during Game 3 of the semifinals – and some very choice comments during the post-game press conference – Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve has been suspended from Game 4. Zena, Ben, and Sabreena gather to break down the details behind the suspension, and answer the question: is it justified?

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References:

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve suspended for Game 4 following ejection during loss to Mercury - The Athletic by Ben Pickman

_________________

No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: [email protected]

You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub

__

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.