No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Words matter—and sometimes they can ignite a league-wide conversation. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena unpack the controversy surrounding Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello's comments about Angel Reese, exploring the role of context, intent, impact, and the broader conversations about race and language in sports. The crew also examines the evolving leadership dynamic between Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert and how much oversight Adam Silver has on the WNBA. Plus, we break down Caitlin Clark's record-setting performance, the Golden State Valkyries' impressive winning streak, and what's behind the New York Liberty's recent struggles.

Finally, we close the show with one of our favorite games: Two Takes and a Fake.

REFERENCES: 

Tempo coach suspended after calling Angel Reese ‘protected species’ during game by Sabreena Merchant

Angel Reese thanks Tempo’s Sandy Brondello, WNBA for response to coach’s offensive remark by Annie Costabile

Chicago Sky defer opening of new practice facility again, cite updated interior plans by Annie Costabile

WNBA power rankings: Will the New York Liberty eventually find their groove? by Sabreena Merchant

Caitlin Clark tallies 45 points to break Fever scoring record in comeback win over Storm by James Boyd

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Who's worth every penny—and who's getting paid too much? Sabreena and Annie break down the WNBA's biggest bargains and most debated contracts, discussing which players are outperforming their deals, who's falling short, and how the league's new salary cap is changing the way teams build their rosters.

The duo also reacts to the WNBA All-Star rosters, A'ja Wilson and Lauren Betts bringing home ESPY honors, and discusses the latest travel issues that significantly impacted game schedules.

Plus, they wrap up with the must-watch matchups to keep an eye on this weekend.

REFERENCES: 

It’s Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers as WNBA All-Star rosters are set by Sabreena Merchant

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We're at the midpoint of the WNBA season, which means it's time to hand out our midseason awards. From MVP and Most Improved Player to Coach of the Year, Sixth Player of the Year, and even Press Conference of the Year, Zena and Sabreena make the case for the league's top contenders. They discuss who's leading each race, who's making a late push, and which awards are still wide open.

The duo also dives into the NCAA's proposed move to seed the top 16 teams in the women's basketball tournament, breaking down how the changes would reshape the bracket and how they differ from last season's format.

Plus, have you noticed all the early morning WNBA tipoffs? Zena and Sabreena explain why they're happening and what they mean for players, fans, and the league.

REFERENCES: 

Our MVP, and other midseason awards. Plus: Change is coming in L.A. by Annie Costabile and Sabreena Merchant 

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The Los Angeles Sparks surprised the WNBA world Sunday with a midseason move to “part ways” with general manager Raegan Pebley. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena unpack the reasoning and timing of this decision and what this means for the rest of the Sparks’ 2026 season. What is Kelsey Plum’s future approaching the trade deadline? How will the Sparks’ front office function going forward?

The trio also break down game action from this past weekend and the results that led to dramatic changes in Sabreena’s Scale. 

Plus: What’s the craziest reason you’ve missed work? Zena and Sabreena surprise Annie with an all-time calendar conflict.

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7441836/2026/07/13/wnba-power-rankings-toronto-tempo-canada/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7440952/2026/07/12/raegan-pebley-los-angeles-sparks/

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As injuries sideline several WNBA favorites, questions confront coaches, players, and fans alike. Who are the Aces without A’Ja Wilson? Who is the ‘spark’ plug in Kelsey Plum’s absence?

In today’s conversation, Sabreena and Annie discuss which teams are feeling the most impact, the players stepping up, and when to expect your favorites back in the lineup. The pair also react to government officials’ plea to the WNBA to protect Caitlin Clark.

Bonus: get ready to set your screen. Sabreena and Annie tell you what to watch this weekend.

References:

https://rsc-pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases/rsc-chairman-pfluger-leads-letter-wnba-demanding-accountability-over-unfair

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Angel Reese’s offseason trade to the Dream marked a new era for the Bayou Barbie. In this episode, Zena and Sabreena welcome senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “Why Angel Reese is the perfect fit for the ‘Hollywood of the South’ with Atlanta Dream.” The three dive into how Reese's diverse business portfolio, brand beyond basketball, and unapologetic persona align with the city and team’s vision.

Can Angel Reese be the next face of the Atlanta Dream franchise?

Also, the trio further unpacks the implications of Skylar Diggins’ Instagram stories, Chicago’s history of breeding conflict, and her future with the Sky.

Plus: the crew’s thoughts on the twelve All-Star Reserves. Who surprised— and who was snubbed?

References:

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/sports/angel-reese-atlanta-dream-homegrown-collection/

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Officiating in the WNBA is no stranger to criticism— especially in the aftermath of Alyssa Thomas’ upgraded foul against Caitlin Clark. In this episode, Zena and Annie evaluate the current state of officiating in the WNBA and how it reaches a balance in the historically physical league.  What do coaches and front offices think? What is the biggest flaw in officiating today? What is the solution going forward?

Also, the duo shares what has caught their eyes halfway through the WNBA season, the implications of Skylar Diggins’ Instagram stories, and which teams are trending up in the Sabreena Scale.

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7423584/2026/07/06/wnba-referees-officiating-issues-offseason-task-force/

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/01/wnba-referees-controversy-finals

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Is this the beginning of the end for Cathy Engelbert as Commissioner of the WNBA? Annie Costabile and Sabreena Merchant weigh in on her handling of the aftermath of the infamous Fever-Mercury game – why she seems to avoid the spotlight, what’s lacking in her communication skills and style, and what – or who – might come next.

Also: All-Star Starters have been announced! The usual faces are in the mix – Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart – but some new players are in the mix, too. And when you dig deep on how the players were ranked by the fans, the media, and other players, some interesting surprises pop up.

Plus: who might the W coaches pick for All-Star Reserves? And we tell you where to set your screen this weekend.

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7416748/2026/07/02/wnba-all-star-game-starters-2026/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7410283/2026/06/30/alyssa-thomas-caitlin-clark-incident-wnba-death-threats/

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The aftermath of the Fever-Mercury game continues, with Alyssa Thomas speaking out about the harassment she’s endured in the wake of her on-court skirmish with Caitlin Clark. As a result, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert finally speaks up about the incident – but is it too little too late? And what ever happened to the WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” campaign?

Zena and Layshia offer their perspectives on AT’s comments and the league’s response, while also praising Stephanie White for her recent comments on the situation. Then, they dig into the Commissioner’s Cup Final, where the Liberty topped the Aces.

Next, in a very special conversation, Zena and Layshia delve into a special announcement from Layshia. They also go deep on Layshia’s decision to retire from basketball, how to rebuild a life and career off the court while dealing with the grief of losing that community and that purpose, and more.

Plus: One More Thing - Championship prediction edition!

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7410283/2026/06/30/alyssa-thomas-caitlin-clark-incident-wnba-death-threats/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7413061/2026/07/01/wnba-hate-threats-fever-white-thomas/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7411259/2026/06/30/breanna-stewart-liberty-aces-commissioners-cup-win/

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The discourse around Caitlin Clark has once again reached a fever pitch – and the WNBA doesn’t seem to be learning from the lessons of the past in its handling of it all.  In this nuanced and wide-ranging conversation, Zena, Annie, and Sabreena dissect the different takes swirling around the internet regarding the aftermath of last week’s physical game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury, including Alyssa Thomas’ upgraded foul and suspension. What role should league officials play in getting rid of the toxic discourse that pervades social media? How can the league regain trust with fans? And how can fans and the media alike find the fun again?

Also, the crew digs into the 4-OT thriller between the Mystics and the Fire, Marina Mabrey’s 53-point night, and which teams are trending up in the Sabreena Scale.

Plus: a Commissioner’s Cup Preview. Will the Aces or the Liberty take the crown?

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7399104/2026/06/27/caitlin-clark-wnba-fouls-technicals-phoenix-mercury/

https://www.theringer.com/2026/06/26/wnba/caitlin-clark-foul-alyssa-thomas-wnba-cathy-engelbert

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/06/25/caitlin-clark-impact-undeniable-but-wnba-response-falls-short/90701172007/

https://www.laprogressive.com/racism/caitlin-clark-problem

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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