No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Assuming Caitlin Clark is back on the court tonight, she and Paige Bueckers will square off for their first matchup in the WNBA. But these two stars have been running alongside each other on parallel (and sometimes overlapping) tracks since their AAU days in the midwest. Zena, Ben, and Sabreena take a look at how the careers of these back-to-back #1 draft picks stack up – the similarities and the differences – and the roles they both play in the culture at large. Plus, they dive into the reasons why so many rookies are so pro-ready from the get-go. The crew also spends some time talking about DeWanna Bonner’s departure from the Indiana Fever – why it happened when it happened, what may have been going on behind the scenes, and where DB may land.

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References:

Caitlin Clark sidelined for Fever-Sparks with groin injury, marking sixth absence this season by Ben Pickman

Indiana Fever waive DeWanna Bonner, sign Aari McDonald for rest of season by Ben Pickman

Could a new 3X3 women’s basketball tourney create a pipeline for the Olympics? by Ben Pickman

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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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YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

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

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena break down a big weekend of games in the WNBA – highlighting the Aces big win over the Fever, the Storm’s victory over an injury-laden Liberty, and the Valkyries’ hot streak. They also check in on the Sabreena Scale, which has a new top team this week. Then, the crew digs into our deep dive for the week – the dominance of the power forward position in the WNBA. When did this position rise to such importance? How has it evolved? And will it continue to hold the same value on the court? Plus, a game about sporting siblings. 

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References:

WNBA power rankings: What’s behind the Golden State Valkyries’ surge? by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA files trademarks for the name ‘Portland Fire’ and stylized ‘P’ logo by Sabreena Merchant

NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington on the Power Forward in the WNBA via TikTok @itscwaysworldesq

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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

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 scuffle between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun has sparked questions about officiating consistency and transparency. Zena, Ben, and Sabreena share thoughts about how that situation was handled and what challenges persist with WNBA refereeing, as well as why Caitlin Clark finds herself in so many dust-ups. Then, the crew give their All-Star locks, first-time All-Stars, and potential surprises, including how many rookies will make the team, and which 2024 All-Stars have dropped out of consideration. And to wrap -we tell you where to set your screens this weekend.

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References:

Caitlin Clark in scuffle as Fever advance to Commissioner’s Cup final: Takeaways by James Boyd and Sabreena Merchant

The latest WNBA controversy makes it clear that officiating has to be better by Shannon Ryan

Does the WNBA have an officiating problem? Coaches cite high turnover, inconsistency by Ben Pickman

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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

__

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 was quite a weekend in the WNBA – and we’re here to break it down. Zena, Ben, and Sabreena dig into the details of Caitlin Clark’s return on Saturday afternoon, when she led the Indiana Fever to victory against a previously undefeated New York Liberty. Then, the crew discusses Angel Reese’s career-first triple-double, the Dallas Wings’ blown opportunity against the Aces, and the Minnesota Lynx’s continued leadership on matters of social importance. Plus, an update on the Sabreena Scale and the impact of recent games on the race for the Commissioner’s Cup. Later on, Ben is joined by Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer for the New York Liberty, who shares the inside story on the origins of Ellie the Elephant, and what makes her such an icon. The crew wraps with Two Takes and a Fake.

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References:

WNBA power rankings: Why the Indiana Fever’s small lineup is working by Sabreena Merchant

A classic Caitlin Clark performance showed the Fever’s ceiling: Watch out, WNBA by Ben Pickman

Caitlin Clark shines in return as Indiana Fever hand New York Liberty first loss of season by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman

Lynx hold moment of silence in wake of Minnesota lawmaker’s assassination by Chantel Jennings

Angel Reese records first triple-double of career as Chicago tops Connecticut by 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.

This season in the WNBA, there are seven new head coaches making their debut (not counting Stephanie White, who has held that title before at the Connecticut Sun). Some of those individuals and their respective teams are faring better than others. So, one month into the 2025 season, Zena, Ben, and Sabreena sit down to discuss these coaches – their programs, their backgrounds, their unique styles – and to take stock of who’s meeting expectations, who’s beating expectations, and who’s missing them altogether. Plus, the crew discusses Ariel Atkins’ comments about Angel Reese during the Chicago Sky’s post-game press conference Tuesday night, following their loss to the New York Liberty – as well as Reese’s on-court performance.

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References:

Despite no Caitlin Clark, Fever-Sky broadcast drew nearly 2 million viewers by Richard Deitsch

Sky’s Ariel Atkins says Angel Reese’s ‘crown is heavy,’ urges media to show more respect by Mark Puleo

Why is it so hard to find a WNBA coach? The reasons behind the lack of candidates by Sabreena Merchant 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.

Sue Bird, one of the all-time greats, stops by No Offseason as part of our Pride Month interview series to talk podcasting, WNBA ownership, sports collectibles, and why Caitlin Clark is such a good passer.

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References:

Sue Bird’s “Dream Draft” picks at ebay.com/DreamDraft 

_________________

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

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

Ben brings us behind-the-scenes inside the United Center this past weekend, when the Indiana Fever handed the Chicago Sky another big loss – and veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot went down with a season-ending ACL tear. Then, Zena brings us over to the Bay Area, to detail the Valkyries first blowout win – against a frustrated Aces team. Next up, Chantel breaks down everything you need to know about the landmark House Settlement case, which will allow colleges to officially pay student athletes. And finally, as part of our Pride Month interview series, one of the all-time greats, Sue Bird, stops by to talk podcasting, WNBA ownership, sports collectibles, and why Caitlin Clark is such a good passer.

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Visit our YouTube page!

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References:

Fever balance scoring, rout Sky 79-52 without Caitlin Clark, coach Stephanie White by Ben Pickman

Another loss to the Fever. Courtney Vandersloot’s injured. Can the Chicago Sky recover? by Ben Pickman

Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot tears ACL, will miss rest of 2025 season by Ben Pickman

WNBA power rankings: Are undefeated Liberty headed for Commissioner’s Cup championship? by Sabreena Merchant

Can women's basketball teams catch up with UConn or South Carolina in changing sports era? by Chantel Jennings

Sue Bird’s “Dream Draft” picks at ebay.com/DreamDraft 

_________________

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 Commissioner’s Cup is underway – and Zena, Ben, and Sabreena are here to help you understand how the in-season tournament works and which teams and players might be set for a big payday come July 1. Next, the crew checks in on some injury updates about Paige Bueckers and Cailtin Clark, before getting into their picks for best “familiar face in a new place” – ie veteran players who’ve moved teams this season. Then, the crew digs into why so many international players are heading to the WNBA, and details how this generational shift might impact gameplay and roster spots both domestically and overseas. Plus, a new game: Something in Common.

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Visit our YouTube page!

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References:

Paige Bueckers enters concussion protocol, will miss next 2 Dallas Wings games by Sabreena Merchant

Fever’s Caitlin Clark taking quad injury rehab ‘day by day,’ could possibly return Tuesday vs. Dream by Ben Pickman

WNBA’s familiar faces in new places: Assessing Kelsey Plum, DeWanna Bonner and more by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman

Why are international players flocking to the WNBA? by 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.

One of the greatest of all time, Candace Parker, joins the No Offseason crew to discuss her new memoir and dig into topics affecting the WNBA today like cultivating diverse coaching staffs and how the media can break away from “gentle commentating.” And to help us kick off Pride Month, Candace shares her journey to self-acceptance and embracing her sexuality.

_________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

References:

WNBA power rankings: Are the New York Liberty destined to repeat? by Sabreena Merchant

Why Brittney Griner has been ‘rejuvenated’ since joining Atlanta Dream by 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.

With two more guards injured on the Indiana Fever, Zena, Ben, and Sabreena discuss the intricacies of hardship contracts and roster spots – and what the near-future might look like for the Fever. Plus, they get into the latest rendition of the Sabreena Scale. Then, one of the greatest of all time, Candace Parker, joins the crew to discuss her new memoir and dig into topics affecting the WNBA today – like how to cultivate diverse coaching staffs and how the media can break away from “gentle commentating.” And to help us kick off Pride Month, Candace shares her journey to self-acceptance and embracing her sexuality. 

_________________

Visit our YouTube page!

_________________

References:

WNBA power rankings: Are the New York Liberty destined to repeat? by Sabreena Merchant

Why Brittney Griner has been ‘rejuvenated’ since joining Atlanta Dream by 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.