No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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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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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Rivals Week tipped off over the weekend, and the WNBA brought plenty of drama, big performances and storylines to unpack.

Zena and Annie break down Caitlin Clark’s quick rescinding of what would have been her eighth technical foul of the season, the fallout from DiJonai Carrington’s ejection after a hard foul on Sophie Cunningham, and whether load management could become a necessary strategy in the WNBA. They also discuss Kayla McBride making WNBA history by setting a new three-point record.

But first, the duo dives into the Washington Mystics’ acquisition of veteran forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and what the move means for their playoff push. Then, they discuss Sabrina Ionescu being left off the Team USA roster, her reaction to the decision and whether injuries could open the door for her to get another opportunity. From there, they unpack WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s league-wide memo and what it says about the league’s approach to inclusion.

Plus, we wrap things up with a special shoutout to the listeners who continue to tune in, share their feedback and support the show.

REFERENCES: 

Washington Mystics claim former Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers by Annie Costabile 

WNBA commissioner stresses integrity, respect on topic of transgender athletes in league-wide memo by Sabreena Merchant

Breanna Stewart ‘surprised’ by Sabrina Ionescu’s omission from Team USA World Cup roster by Annie Costabile

Caitlin Clark earns 1-game suspension after her eighth technical foul by Brian Hamilton

Sophie Cunningham says DiJonai Carrington ‘just trying to get attention’ with flagrant foul by Brian Hamilton

Sky’s DiJonai Carrington cites White privilege after ejection for flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham by Brian Hamilton

WNBA has spiraled into a rinse-and-repeat drama, and it's taking a mind-numbing toll by Candace Buckner

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The Golden State Valkyries have quickly established themselves as a successful franchise in the WNBA. Brian Hamilton returns to join Sabreena for a closer look at the team’s rapid rise and the blueprint behind their immediate impact.

The duo breaks down the many factors fueling the Valkyries’ success — from prioritizing the player experience and creating an electric home-court atmosphere at Ballhalla to building a competitive roster featuring lesser-known players who have made a major impact. They also examine how Golden State has maximized its talent and why All-Star Gabby Williams chose to join the franchise in free agency.

Before diving into the Valkyries, Sabreena and Brian discuss Team USA’s roster for the FIBA World Cup, the balance between veteran leadership and emerging young talent, and what the next generation of the program could look like.

Finally, we wrap with the must-watch matchups of the  weekend.

REFERENCES: 

Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lead USA Basketball’s necessary youth movement by Sabreena Merchant

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese to make FIBA World Cup debuts with U.S. women’s national team by Annie Costabile

Inside the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar success that’s setting a new WNBA bar by Brian Hamilton

Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lead USA Basketball’s necessary youth movement by Sabreena Merchant

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese to make FIBA World Cup debuts with U.S. women’s national team by Annie Costabile

Inside the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar success that’s setting a new WNBA bar by Brian Hamilton

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Exclusionary practices in sports can have a lasting impact on athletes, communities, and the way we think about fairness, opportunity, and belonging.. To help unpack this complex and often divisive topic, Zena is joined by Dr. Anna Baeth, author of Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports.

Dr. Baeth takes a closer look at the conversation around trans athletes in women’s sports, addressing common questions, examining the data, and providing context around the concerns and misconceptions driving much of the debate.

But first, we start with the newest addition to the WNBA. The Cleveland Sirens have officially unveiled their team name and branding, and Zena and Sabreena take a closer look at the inspiration behind the identity, the reaction to the new look, and how Cleveland’s newest franchise connects to the legacy of the Cleveland Rockers.

REFERENCES: 

Cleveland Sirens reveal name and logo as 2028 WNBA expansion team by Sabreena Merchant 

Sophie Cunningham wants to put focus back on basketball: ‘What are we doing?’ by Zach Powell

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The WNBA trade deadline has come and gone, and while the league didn’t see a flood of moves, one blockbuster trade changed the conversation. Zena and Sabreena break down the Phoenix Mercury’s acquisition of Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks and discuss what this move means for Phoenix’s playoff hopes and the race for the postseason.

Before diving into the trade deadline fallout, the duo opens the show with the ongoing controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender girls in youth sports,  which sparked rallies and counter-rallies WNBA games. Sabreena breaks down what happened at those rallies, the conversations happening around the league, and Cheryl Reeve’s call for leadership, accountability, and inclusivity within the WNBA.

To close out the episode, we look ahead to the future of All-Star Weekend and discuss which cities could be strong contenders to host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game.

REFERENCES: 

Cheryl Reeve: WNBA must be ‘safe space for everyone,’ regardless of viewpoint by Devon Henderson

WNBA power rankings: Olivia Miles has Minnesota Lynx soaring by Sabreena Merchant

Dallas Wings to play home games at American Airlines Center in 2027 by Sabreena Merchant

Connecticut Sun trade Aneesah Morrow to Toronto Tempo by Annie Coastabile

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Sabreena and Annie share their live reactions to Kelsey Plum's trade to the Phoenix Mercury and what it means for both franchise.

REFERENCES:

Los Angeles Sparks deal Kelsey Plum to Phoenix Mercury in a blockbuster move by Sabreena Merchant

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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.