No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena dive into the semifinal games, breaking down what made the difference for both the Aces and the Mercury in securing their wins. Then, they turn their attention towards Game 3 in each series: Can the Fever regain their momentum? Will the Mercury make the most of their homecourt advantage and edge ahead against the Lynx? 

Later, the crew goes behind the scenes of recent coaching changes in the WNBA, discussing the inside stories behind Sandy Brondello’s departure from the New York Liberty and Noelle Quinn’s exit from the Seattle Storm. They analyze the implications of these changes, expectations placed on new coaches, and the concerning absence of black female head coaches in the WNBA.

Plus: Ben’s new game, “Who Said It?”

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References:

Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson found another level of leadership to guide Aces to semifinals win by Sabreena Merchant

Six New York Liberty coaching candidates to replace Sandy Brondello by Ben Pickman

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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 and Sabreena are joined by Brendan Glasheen, play-by-play announcer for the Connecticut Sun and Unrivaled. Together, they dive into the WNBA semifinals, discussing the performances of the top MVP vote-getters in their respective Game 1s, plus what adjustments the Aces and the Mercury need to make if they’re going to notch a win next time around. 

Then, it’s a deep dive into Unrivaled: the impact the league’s first season had on the WNBA’s current season, and some big changes to expect when Unrivaled’s second season rolls around in January. 

Finally, Sabreena quizzes Brendan on his memory of the 2025 Sun season. 

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References:

Unrivaled women’s basketball league announces 2 expansion teams, 18 roster spots by Ben Pickman

Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx make WNBA semifinals statements with victories by Sabreena Merchant and Jon Krawczynski

Kelsey Mitchell played in 6 losing seasons with the Indiana Fever. Now? She’s thriving 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.

The WNBA playoffs have reached a fever pitch, and Zena and Sabreena are processing their feelings in real time. After a dramatic Thursday of Game 3s, the pair breaks down the clutch performances from the Fever and Aces to advance to the semifinals and salutes the efforts of the Dream, and especially the Storm, in defeat. They also preview Game 3 in Phoenix and figure out what lessons the Liberty and Mercury can take from the Valkyries' fight against the Lynx.

Plus, some offseason predictions for the eliminated teams.

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Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: [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 first games of the postseason are in the books! Zena, Ben, and Sabreena share their takeaways after Sunday's games, from the Liberty’s road overtime win to the Aces continued hot streak -- providing insights into player performances and strategies that could impact each series in game 2.

Plus, we discuss the impact of the growing popularity of the WNBA -- specifically on ticket prices and fan culture at large.

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References:

WNBA playoffs takeaways: Lynx dominate Valkyries, Cloud thrives in OT Liberty win by Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant

WNBA fandom costs rise as growing popularity drives up ticket prices by Ben Pickman

 _________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: [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 discuss the final few days of the Chicago Sky’s season before turning their attention to 2025 WNBA Playoffs. They break down each of the four first-round series, discussing key matchups and X-factors, before predicting who will advance. Then, they offer predictions for who will win it all this postseason.

 _________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: [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.

We will have our full 2025 WNBA playoff preview episode dropping later today! 

 _________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: [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.

As the playoff standings are taking shape - Zena, Ben and Sabreena delve into the impressive win streak of the Las Vegas Aces and the evolving dynamics of teams like the New York Liberty and the Golden State Valkyries. 

Then, their conversation shifts to their award predictions!  Will this be a year of repeats? Who will be the MVP? Is it an easy choice for Coach of the Year? The crew continues on exploring the criteria for various awards, including Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved and Sixth Player of the Year. 

Finally, Zena chats with Veronica Burton, guard for the Golden State Valkyries, reflecting on her team's historic playoff qualification, the balance between opportunity and preparation, and her personal journey in basketball. 

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References:

WNBA power rankings: Can Breanna Stewart spark the Liberty to prep for a playoff run? by Sabreena Merchant

Has A’ja Wilson taken the lead over Napheesa Collier in WNBA MVP race? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman

Valkyries clinch historic playoff spot to culminate a season that has defied reason by Marcus Thompson II

Golden State Valkyries clinch playoff berth, will not host a game at Chase Center by Ben Pickman

 _________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: [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.

With the WNBA season nearing a close, Zena, Sabreena and Ben discuss Angel Reese’s comments on the future of the Chicago Sky before coming with a group of made-up WNBA awards. Then, Las Vegas Aces forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus joins the show to share her insights on returning to the court two months after giving birth, balancing motherhood with her playing career and her decision to join the Las Vegas Aces.

 _________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: [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.

In this bonus episode, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant discuss Caitlin Clark's injury announcement and its implications for her season and the Indiana Fever. They analyze the impact of her absence on the Fever's future and the overall growth of the WNBA. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by the Fever this season and the missed opportunities for the league due to Clark's injury. They also speculate on Clark's recovery and potential return to competitive play.

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References:

Caitlin Clark out for the rest of the season because of groin injury by Sabreena Merchant

 _________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: [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.

It's time once again for our mailbag episode! Zena, Ben and Sabreena answer your questions on all the buzzworthy topics of the 2025 WNBA season. Is there transparency in injury reporting? Has advanced analytics changed the way rookies have come into the league? Does the WNBA lack the depth to sustain expansion? And do special whistles exist in the W? Tune in to find out! 

 _________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: [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.