No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tips off Friday, and Team USA is chasing its fifth consecutive gold medal. Sabreena, Annie and Chantel preview the tournament and take a closer look at a new-look Team USA without leading scorer A’ja Wilson. With seven World Cup debutants on the roster, what will the roster changes mean for Team USA’s strategy, chemistry and chances of staying on top? Plus, France could be one of the biggest threats to the U.S. with an experienced roster.

But first, we kick off our conversation with the second annual Players Era Women’s Showcase coming to Las Vegas this December. We break down the loaded matchups, what’s at stake and what this event means for women’s college basketball.

Then, we discuss Skylar Diggins being placed on the Chicago Sky’s season-ending injury list and what it means for both Diggins and the Sky moving forward.

And to wrap things up, we play another round of “Something in Common.”

REFERENCES: 

UCLA, USC, South Carolina among women’s basketball teams in Players Era showcase by Sabreena

Sky guard Skylar Diggins done for season, calls effort to get healthy an ‘uphill battle’ by Annie Costabile 

Why isn’t the WNBA playing for 2 weeks? Here’s what to know about the FIBA World Cup by Annie Costabile

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The WNBA is taking a 17-day pause for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, but there’s still plenty to sort out before the playoffs. With just four games remaining when the league returns, Zena and Sabreena break down the current standings, potential playoff matchups, and which teams have the most at stake down the stretch. They look at the biggest strengths and weaknesses across the playoff field, the defensive adjustments that could make a difference, and the players and rivalries that could shape the postseason.

Before getting into the playoff race, the duo reacts to the news that A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the FIBA World Cup, with Plum also set to miss the remainder of the WNBA season. They then turn to another major blow for the Las Vegas Aces, as NaLyssa Smith is officially out for the rest of the season with a leg injury. What does her absence mean for the defending champions heading into the playoffs?

Plus, Zena and Sabreena discuss Angel Reese’s rescinded technical foul and what the original ruling could have meant for the Atlanta Dream.

And finally, they open up the mailbag to break down temporary suspensions in the WNBA and how they can impact a team’s roster.

WNBA stars A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum out for FIBA Women’s World Cup by Annie Costabile

NaLyssa Smith has been ruled out for the season. What now for the Aces’ lineup? By Sabreena Merchant

Angel Reese avoids automatic suspension after technical foul quickly rescinded by Sabreena Merchant

Can Valkyries overtake Lynx’s top playoff seed? Our WNBA playoff picture forecast by Sabreena Merchant

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(01:51) A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum to miss FIBA Women’s World Cup

(04:11) Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron added to Team USA roster

(07:14) NaLyssa Smith suffers season-ending injury

(13:27) WNBA rescinds Angel Reese’s technical foul

(18:17) WNBA playoff structure

(19:48) How WNBA playoff home-court advantage works

(20:09) WNBA tiebreaker scenario explained

(25:43) Exploring the Wing’s playoff approach

(31:02) Inside the Valkyries and Mystics defensive styles

(32:57) Examining the Valkyries and Mystics offense

(38:35) Could the Liberty be trouble for the Aces?

(45:35) What gives the Dream an edge over the Fever?

(50:56) The impact of the FIBA World Cup break on teams

(54:36) Mailbag Question

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How did the Dallas Wings go from last place to playoff contender in just one season? Sabreena and Annie are joined by Brian Hamilton to take a closer look at one of the WNBA’s biggest turnarounds.

Brian shares insight into head coach Jose Fernandez’s journey from college basketball to the WNBA, why the timing was right for the move, and how his relationship with Paige Bueckers has shaped his approach to coaching her. The trio also breaks down what has changed in Dallas and how the Wings went from a team searching for answers to one now positioned for the playoffs.

Plus, Sabreena and Annie break down DeWanna Bonner officially joining the Atlanta Dream, how she fits into Atlanta’s playoff push, and the roster move the Dream made to bring her in. They also discuss Unrivaled’s latest funding and plans to bring games to cities across the country.

And they dive into the Chicago Sky’s decision to ban Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena and what it means for the team and the WNBA.

Finally, as we head into the weekend, we’ll tell you where to set your screens for the biggest games this weekend.

REFERENCES: 

DeWanna Bonner signing with Atlanta Dream for playoff run: Sources by Annie Costabile

Unrivaled announces new funding that sets league valuation at $650 million by Annie Costabile

Enes Kanter Freedom banned by Chicago Sky after altercation with Natasha Cloud by Annie Costabile

Coach star Paige Bueckers? Resurrect the Dallas Wings? It’s all ‘just basketball’ to Jose Fernandez by Jose Fernandez

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**Correction: In this episode, we incorrectly stated that Olivia Miles holds the all-time assists record for a Rookie. Caitlin Clark currently holds that record.

Note: This episode was recorded before the Atlanta Dream signed DeWanna Bonner, so some of the discussion and analysis reflects the roster situation at the time of recording.

DESCRIPTION: The playoff field is officially set, and we’re breaking down the biggest questions facing every team as the postseason approaches!

Zena is joined by Atlanta Dream sideline reporter Autumn Johnson to take a closer look at the playoff picture, including why the Dream are hitting their stride at the perfect time and how head coach Karl Smesko has built trust and confidence within the team.

Before diving into the postseason, we look at the record-breaking performances shaping the league. From Angel Reese’s historic rebounding numbers and Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring streak to Kayla McBride’s record-setting 3-point performance.

Plus, Sabreena sits down with Charlotte Crown guard Deja Kelly of the UPSHOT league to discuss the league’s impact on women’s basketball, the opportunities it provides, her growth as a player, and the competitive environment the league creates.

REFERENCES: 

Angel Reese breaks WNBA single-game and single-season rebounding records by Sabreena Merchant

UPSHOT LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

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The WNBA continues to navigate a growing number of distractions and controversies, sparking important conversations. Zena and Annie dive into the recent confrontation between former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom and Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud. What led to the incident, and why are WNBA players so often caught in the crossfire of cultural and  political debates? The duo discusses how these moments impact the league and wonder what the WNBA can do to ensure off-court distractions don’t continue to overshadow the game.

But first, Zena and Annie break down some of the biggest moments from the weekend, including the introduction of the Portland Fire’s new mascot, Sydney Taylor’s impact on the Chicago Sky and the Toronto Tempo’s ongoing injury woes.

Then, they turned attention to the Phoenix Mercury and veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, who mutually agreed to part ways. Could the move open the door for Bonner to join another team in playoff contention?

Finally, they share their thoughts on Apple TV+’s new three-part docuseries, The Dynasty: UConn Huskies, which chronicles the rise of one of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball history.

REFERENCES: 

Mercury buy out DeWanna Bonner’s contract, freeing 6-time All-Star to pursue title run by Annie Costabile

WNBA power rankings: Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream bounce back at perfect time by Sabreena Merchant

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom ejected from Sky-Fever game after confrontation by Brian Hamilton

Sky-Valkyries game disrupted by multiple sex toys thrown on court; Cloud calls culprits ‘weak’ by The Athletic Staff

Enes Kanter Freedom isn’t protecting women. He’s out to instigate, divide, marginalize by Jerry Brewer

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The WNBA’s award races are heating up as the regular season winds down. Sabreena and Annie kick things off by breaking down the impact of Azzi Fudd’s injury on the Dallas Wings and what it could mean for her development moving forward. Then, they dive into the MVP race featuring A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, while also discussing the possibility of co-MVPs and the growing influence of guards in the conversation.

They also discuss the Coach of the Year race, including Cheryl Reeve and Natalie Nakase, and take a closer look at the Defensive Player of the Year debate, with Gabby Williams and A’ja Wilson among the names in the mix. With individual performance, team success and voting transparency all part of the conversation, the final games of the season could have a major impact on who takes home the hardware.

Finally, the duo tells you which games to keep an eye on this weekend.

REFERENCES: 

Dallas Wings’ top pick Azzi Fudd to undergo season-ending knee surgery by Sabreena Merchant and Brian Hamilton

Caitlin Clark is having a banner season, so why isn't she in MVP conversations? by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

Olivia Miles twists ankle, exits Lynx’s win over Valkyries in fourth quarter by Marcus Thompson II

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Ever wonder what goes into some of the WNBA’s most creative and effective actions on the court? Zena and Sabreena are joined by Nekias Duncan, host of The Dunker Spot, for a deep dive into the X’s and O’s shaping the league right now. They break down everything from the Washington Mystics’ high-low action and the Liberty’s press-to-zone defense to the growing use of double drag, the Fever’s dead-ball actions, and some of the league’s most dynamic pick-and-roll partnerships.

Plus, the crew reacts to the Golden State Valkyries being awarded the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game, including how players have been eager to see All-Star Weekend come to the Bay Area. They also discuss the Toronto Tempo’s new mascots, Dot the Arctic Hare and Dez the Snapping Turtle.

And finally, they reflect on the incredible career of Nneka Ogwumike, who announced she will retire at the end of the season after 15 seasons in the WNBA.

REFERENCES: 

Golden State to host 2027 WNBA All-Star Game by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

WNBA veteran Nneka Ogwumike announces retirement by Annie Costabile

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The playoff race is heating up, and the standings are getting tighter by the day! Zena and Sabreena break down the biggest performances and storylines from the weekend, starting with the Lynx-Aces matchup, which showcased the strengths of two of the league’s top contenders and what each team could bring to the postseason.

Then, they turn their attention to the Fever and how their recent surge has propelled them up the standings — and whether they’ve finally found an identity at the right time. Plus, how will injuries impact the Wings’ playoff hopes, and can the Atlanta Dream overcome their inconsistency and missed opportunities in close games as the postseason approaches?

To wrap things up, we answer a mailbag question about overseas play and the development opportunities it creates for WNBA players.

REFERENCES: 

Point guard showdown in Indy ends in Caitlin Clark’s favor: Fever-Wings takeaways by James Boyd and Brian Hamilton

WNBA power rankings: Will Clark-Bueckers become the next Wilson-Stewart rivalry? by Sabreena Merchant

Fever show championship mettle in win over Dream: ‘We’ve grown up’ by Brian Hamilton

Mercury retire Diana Taurasi’s No. 3, welcome WNBA legend to Ring of Honor by Annie Costabile

Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne changed basketball with help from Chicago by Shakeia Taylor

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What defines a dynasty in the WNBA? Sabreena and Annie dive into what it takes to build sustained success in the league and explore which teams could be poised to become the next great dynasty. How long can the Aces’ dominance last? Could Napheesa Collier explore other options after the season? And should the Golden State Valkyries already be in the dynasty conversation? The duo breaks it all down while also looking ahead at the next wave of talent coming into the WNBA.

Before that, they discuss the outcome of Cathy Engelbert’s meeting with the task force addressing the ongoing issues within the league. Then, we celebrate Diana Taurasi’s legacy as the Phoenix Mercury honor her legendary career.

To close, we tell you where to set your screens this weekend.

REFERENCES: 

WNBA condemns online ‘bad-faith efforts’ to toxify league amid divisive conversations by Sabreena Merchant

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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How does a team know when it’s time to rebuild? Zena and Sabreena dive into the complexities of rebuilding in the WNBA, looking at teams that have gotten it right — including how the Washington Mystics stumbled into a rebuild that’s moving faster than expected. They also examine teams that have been forced into rebuilding, like the Seattle Storm after key free-agency losses.

But first, the duo discusses Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White’s strong response to online criticism and how Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are making history together.

To wrap things up, we brainstorm ways to make Rivals Week even bigger and more compelling in the WNBA.

REFERENCES: 

Fever coach Stephanie White fires back at online criticism: ‘Everybody else can go to hell’ By Brian Hamilton

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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