No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Ben returns to the show – joining Zena and Sabreena to discuss Rhyne Howard’s post-game comments concerning “MVP” chants breaking out for A’ja Wilson during the Aces-Dream game in Atlanta – plus, the crew digs in on Caitlin Clark’s new signature brand logo with Nike.

Then, they do a deep dive on the Golden State Valkyries inaugural season – why they’ve had so much success both on the court and off, what future expansion teams can learn from their blueprint, and whether those news teams are positioned to thrive in the same way.

Plus, Set Your Screens.

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You can also find us on social media:

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

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-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

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Zena and Sabreena discuss the highlights from this past weekend in the WNBA – from the Aces extending their winning streak to the Storm increasing their playoff probability. And, in light of Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh’s ejection from the Sky-Sun game on Saturday, they debate the difference between the W’s infamous “physicality” and outright fouls.

Then, Zena and Sabreena take a deep dive into the Rookie of the Year conversation – celebrating an incredible year for new players in the W – but settling on the only rookie who ultimately deserves the title: Paige Bueckers. How does she stack up against last year’s Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark? And what does the future look like for Paige and the Wings?

Finally, Zena challenges Sabreena to a game of Two Takes and a Fake.

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References:

WNBA power rankings: Can the Aces keep climbing in the standings? by Sabreena Merchant

As Indiana Fever await Caitlin Clark’s return, can they hold on for playoff push? by Sabreena Merchant

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Visit our YouTube page!

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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

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A record-breaking 2025 season continues for the WNBA, and Zena and Sabreena are back to break down two of the biggest moments of the week: Sue Bird’s statue unveiling in Seattle and Paige Bueckers’ rookie-record 44 points against the Sparks, even in a losing effort. They also touch on some more injury news out of Indiana and Dallas and even more drama regarding the attempted sale of the Connecticut Sun. 

Then, it’s time for a big discussion on the WNBA schedule and why it has been such a hot topic of conversation among players and fans this season. Zena and Sabreena get into what parameters the league has to consider when creating the calendar and how this will change moving forward as the WNBA adds more teams and has to potentially expand its footprint. They talk about how the schedule may factor into health and safety and what the players are saying about the cadence of games before putting on their commissioner’s caps and making some suggestions for the league in 2026 and beyond. 

Finally, it’s time to set your screens for what Zena and Sabreena are watching this weekend.  

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References:

Paige Bueckers ties rookie single-game scoring record in Wings’ narrow loss to Sparks by Sabreena Merchant

Why has the sale of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun become so complicated? by Mike Vorkunov

The Making of the WNBA schedule at WNBA.com

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Visit our YouTube page!

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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

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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

Zena and Sabreena take stock of a historic WNBA weekend, including A’ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Plum all reaching individual milestones while the Golden State Valkyries set a record for the most wins by an expansion team. They also get into the latest injury news out of Indiana. 

Then, senior investigative writer Carson Kessler joins Zena and Sabreena to discuss The Athletic’s latest investigative series on stalking in sports. Carson explains how this project came to be and the trio explore a variety of topics including: the frequency of stalkers and why those numbers might be underreported, what stalking looks like in the digital age, and how colleges and leagues can protect their athletes going forward. 

Finally, Zena and Sabreena debut “Explain the Game”, where they answer a listener question about how something in the WNBA works. 

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References:

‘I’m sitting behind the bench’: Inside sports’ escalating stalking problem by Carson Kessler

WNBA power rankings: Golden State Valkyries aiming to make history 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

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YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

TikTok: @no_offseason

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

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben start with a temperature check of the WNBA. They dive into the Las Vegas Aces’ five-game winning streak and what their latest win over New York tells us about each of the rival squads. They also share their thoughts on the hatching of Violet, the new mascot of the Valkyries, and the increasingly complicated potential sale of the Connecticut Sun. 

Then, Meg Linehan (women’s sports lead at The Athletic) joins Zena and Sabreena for a conversation about labor across women’s sports. They talk about the NWSL CBA, what the WNBA players association could learn from that document, and how this rapid growth in women’s sports is affecting soccer and basketball. 

Finally, Ben comes back with Zena and Sabreena to set their screens as the race for the postseason tightens up. 

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References:

NWSL and NWSLPA agree terms on new collective bargaining agreement by Meg Linehan

 _________________

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]

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YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

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Zena, Ben, and Sabreena break down the start to WNBA Rivals Week – discussing some key injuries around the W that have dampened excitement for some of these matchups. They also touch upon A'ja Wilson's historic night, and how DiJonai Carrington and Brittney Sykes are making an impact on their new teams.

Then, the crew turns their attention to who could be the 2025 WNBA MVP. What gets factored into making that decision? How much does win percentage matter? And is Napheesa Collier still the frontrunner despite missing some time with her recent injury?

Plus, Ben walks the crew through his reporting on a WNBA tradition: the post-practice half court shot contest.

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References:

Indiana Fever lose guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald for the season by Sabreena Merchant

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6546038/2025/08/11/aja-wilson-wnba-history-30-points-20-rebounds/ by Rebecca Tauber

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6539678/2025/08/11/wnba-halfcourt-shots-practices-fever-liberty/ by Ben Pickman

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6546028/2025/08/11/wnba-power-rankings-minnesota-lynx-trade-deadline/ 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

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

Zena and Sabreena recap the Brittney Sykes and Aaliyah Edwards trades made at the WNBA trade deadline, and assess Seattle's potential as a contender, plus Washington's direction after its surprising hot start. 

Then, Ben joins to discuss his reporting on the wave of bright green sex toys being thrown onto WNBA courts. He takes us into the world of memecoins and crypto disruptions and what this trend has to do with women's basketball. The group adds their reactions about how this has potentially corrupted a positive moment for the league. 

Finally, Zena and Sabreena set their screens for a big western conference showdown with playoff seeding implications.

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References:

WNBA sex toy incidents may be linked to cryptocurrency group’s money scheme by Ben Pickman

Can the Seattle Storm contend for a WNBA title? Mailbag answers from our expert by Sabreena Merchant

Third WNBA game interrupted by a sex toy. What are players, coaches saying? by Sabreena Merchant

Washington Mystics trade Brittney Sykes to Seattle Storm by Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant

For the WNBA, this is about more than just green sex toys by Shannon Ryan

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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

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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.

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena discuss a busy weekend in the W: Phee’s ankle injury, DiJonai’s trade to the Lynx, and the potential sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun. Sabreena and Ben share their insider perspective and reporting around how likely this sale is to go through – and the complications that could derail it. Then, Sabreena’s power rankings are back in action - and so is the Sabreena Scale, with an emphasis on the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks.

Next up, Ben and Sabreena enter the trade machine: who should be traded where? Who could be traded where? And why don’t more players get traded in the W, in general?

Plus, Ben serves up another edition of Something in Common.

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References:

Connecticut Sun sold to group led by Celtics minority owner with intention of moving team to Boston: Reports by Ben Pickman

WNBA power rankings: Are the Indiana Fever contenders again? by Sabreena Merchant

Lynx star Napheesa Collier to undergo testing after injuring ankle vs. Aces by Ben Pickman

Wings trade DiJonai Carrington to Lynx for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, draft pick by Sarah Jean Maher

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Visit our YouTube page!

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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

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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.

Zena and Ben talk about the wacky week that was in the W, with bright green instruments hitting the court and Sparky the LA mascot hitting the deck hard during halftime. Next, they discuss the first rematch of the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty since their finals run last season.

Then, with a few big upsets around the Association this week, they turn their attention to some bigger questions – like why do the outcomes of almost every game feel so consequential? Why does the W feel so inconsistent sometimes? What do we mean when we say a team is a “bad” team? In short, what does the concept of hierarchy really mean in the WNBA?

After that, Ben and Zena talk through some of the most intriguing players in the W, as the second half of the season gets underway. Plus, what we’re watching this weekend.

_________________

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 gang is back together to talk about an action-packed weekend in the WNBA – from the Liberty-Sparks buzzer beater to fortunes starting to turn for the Valks and the Lynx. 

Then, basketball and business writer for The Athletic Mike Vorkunov joins the pod to talk about the working relationship between the WNBA and the NBA. With a special focus on CBA negotiations and expansion, Zena, Ben and Mike lean into all things money: why hasn’t the WNBA ever been profitable? What role does the NBA play in that question – and what roles do NBA staffers play all throughout the W? Why are NBA owners selling teams at a record rate, while at the same time, investors are clamoring to get into the W? How exactly is revenue defined in the WNBA – and how important is the answer to that question when determining how much the players are owed?

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Visit our YouTube page!

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References:

Liberty star Breanna Stewart avoided serious injury in loss to Sparks: Source by Ben Pickman

Valkyries’ Kayla Thornton to miss rest of season after knee surgery by Darnell Mayberry and Ben Pickman

How the WNBA went from an ‘existential’ moment to record success by Mike Vorkunov and Ben Pickman

_________________

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.