No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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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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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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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