No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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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The WNBA trade deadline is approaching, and the rumors, speculation, and potential moves are heating up. Sabreena and Annie break down the complexities of player contracts, the challenges of making trades within the league’s salary cap structure, and which players could realistically be on the move.

Before diving into the trade market, the duo discuss some of the league’s recent optics and the conversations surrounding them — including the WNBA’s social media controversy after the league posted and later deleted a video featuring a wager between Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, as well as the incident involving Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton, who was suspended by the league following an interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham during a game.

To close out the episode, we answer a listener's question about rebuilding in the WNBA: When is the right time for a team to start over and build for the future?

REFERENCES: 

WNBA deletes, apologizes for social media post showing wager between Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers by Devon Henderson and Annie Costabile

Storm owner suspended after interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham by Mark Puleo

We played WNBA general manager with your trade proposals. Who says no? by Sabreena Merchant

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The WNBA playoff race is heating up as the second half of the season gets underway. Zena and Sabreena break down Tuesday night’s action, highlighting teams that showcased offensive firepower while exposing defensive concerns that could shape the postseason picture.

The duo then dives into how teams are handling player controversies and the impact those moments can have on public perception. They discuss the latest Kelsey Plum trade rumors before looking ahead at the defining storylines of the second half: How will the Minnesota Lynx adjust with Napheesa Collier back in the lineup? What impact will Brionna Jones have on the Atlanta Dream? And can the Washington Mystics continue their surprising rise?

Plus, we look ahead to the upcoming World Cup break and how it could affect teams with multiple players representing their countries. Who will benefit from the break, and who could lose momentum?

Finally, we wrap up the episode with a second-half edition of Two Takes and a Fake.

REFERENCES: 

What I’m hearing on Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Plum and other WNBA trade deadline targets by Annie Costabile

Toronto Tempo shopping future first-round pick ahead of WNBA trade deadline by Annie Costabile 

WNBA second-half predictions: Playoffs, lottery odds, trade deadline and suspensions by Sabreena Merchant

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The WNBA took over Chicago for a weekend! Zena, Annie, and Sabreena share the behind-the-scenes experience covering All-Star Weekend, from the energy inside the city to Barack Obama’s appearance and the biggest storylines that shaped the event.

The trio breaks down Azzi Fudd’s historic 3-Point Contest win, the introduction of the Shooting Stars competition, and what the league can do to continue evolving the All-Star experience. They also examine Cathy Engelbert’s All-Star Weekend press conference, discussing the WNBA’s new centralized replay center, ongoing officiating concerns, and the commissioner’s comments on improving communication and trust with players.

Plus, we revisited the biggest moments from the All-Star Game, including Team Spoon’s victory, Jonquel Jones’ MVP performance, Dominique Malonga’s highlight-reel dunk, and the rise of the league’s next generation of stars.

We close out with “And One More Thing,” celebrating Angel Reese’s new Barbie doll and her growing impact both on and off the court.

REFERENCES: 

The WNBA All-Stars met Obama and found the good vibes that have been missing by Brian Hamilton

Azzi Fudd becomes first rookie to win WNBA 3-point contest by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA to launch replay center for 2027 season by Sabreena Merchant

Cathy Engelbert admits ‘we have to be better’ at communicating with WNBA players by Annie Costabile

2026 WNBA All-Star Game takeaways: A dunk, a worthy MVP and a plea for intensity by Brian Hamilton

WNBA All-Star Game winners, losers: The phenoms and their phenomenal weekend by Sabreena Merchant

Cathy Engelbert may be unpopular with WNBA players, but she's not paid to be their bestie by Candace Buckner

Angel Reese’s signature Barbie doll to debut at WNBA’s All-Star weekend by Jason Jones 

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WNBA All-Star Weekend is finally here, and Chicago is ready for the spotlight. Zena and senior columnist Marcus Thompson II break down the biggest storylines heading into the league's biggest weekend—from the can't-miss events and bold predictions to what fans should keep an eye on. Plus, they discuss Napheesa Collier's impressive return and what her comeback means as the second half of the season gets underway.

Then, the focus shifts to the WNBA's future. As the league reaches unprecedented heights, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is facing growing criticism from players and fans alike. Is the backlash warranted, or is she taking the blame for larger issues across the league? Zena and Marcus dive into the debate over her leadership and what's next for the WNBA.

To wrap things up, Annie catches up with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to discuss why Chicago is the perfect host for All-Star Weekend, his favorite local restaurants, and the WNBA players—past and present—who have made the biggest impression on him.

REFERENCES: 

Wings’ Azzi Fudd headlines 3-point contest field at WNBA All-Star Weekend by Sabreena Merchant

Napheesa Collier has double-double in season debut for Lynx by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

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The participants for the WNBA All-Star Three-Point Contest are officially set, and rookie Azzi Fudd is the lone first-year player in the field. Zena and Annie break down the competition, discuss the favorites, and examine which notable names won't be competing.

Then, the conversation shifts into the growing arms race around WNBA facilities—why teams like the Lynx and Aces are raising the bar, what it means for organizations still playing catch-up like the Sky, and how better facilities are becoming a critical part of player recruitment, performance, and trust as the league pushes toward new standards by 2028.

Then, to close out the show, it's all about fun as Zena quizzes Annie with a round of Chicago sports trivia.

REFERENCES: 

Wings’ Azzi Fudd headlines 3-point contest field at WNBA All-Star Weekend by Sabreena 

Merchant

Amid tension, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert meets with players by Annie Costabile

Napheesa Collier has double-double in season debut for Lynx by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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