No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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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Caitlin Clark is out for Saturday night's game against the Los Angeles Sparks. We're bringing you inside the aftermath of Wednesday night's Fever-Mercury game - from Fever head coach Steph White's comments to the intricacies of what happened on the court between Caitlin Clark and Alyssa Thomas, and the eventual upgrade of the foul to Flagrant 2, plus the suspension for one game of Alyssa Thomas.

And: Marina Mabrey goes OFF for 53 points.

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The WNBA's rookie class is making its mark, and Zena and Annie break down who's rising as the season heats up. They debate the leading Rookie of the Year contenders, highlight the biggest surprises, and predict which first-year players are poised for a breakout after the All-Star break.

Plus, we break down the NCAA's new five-year eligibility rule and what it means for college athletes. 

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Physicality has always been part of the WNBA—but where’s the line between tough competition and crossing it? Zena and Layshia unpack the league-wide conversation around physical play, breaking down recent technical fouls involving Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and others. They dive into the impact of officiating, player conduct, and sportsmanship, while exploring how the game’s physical style has evolved over the years. From aggressive defenses to referee decisions, the duo examines how players adjust, compete, and thrive in one of the toughest leagues in sports.

REFERENCES: 

The fascinating case of Caitlin Clark vs. The WNBA: Who controls the spirit of the sport? by Brian Hamilton

Caitlin Clark blasts officials for ‘ridiculous’ tech, inches closer to suspension by James Boyd

WNBA will not rescind Caitlin Clark’s technical foul from Fever-Mercury game by James Boyd

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The rookies are making moves, and the all-time rankings are up for debate. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down why Azzi Fudd's decision to join Project B and Flau’jae Johnson's move to Unrivaled could shape the next chapter of their careers. Then, the trio takes on the ultimate WNBA debate, ranking the league's greatest players across 30 seasons while weighing Finals MVPs, superstar impact, and the legacies of icons like A'ja Wilson, Candace Parker, and Maya Moore.

To close out —each host unveils their all-time WNBA fantasy starting five.

REFERENCES: 

Azzi Fudd chooses to play for Project B over Unrivaled in offseason by Annie Costabile

Seattle Storm rookie Flau’jae Johnson to join Unrivaled by Annie Coastabile

WNBA power rankings: Will the Los Angeles Sparks harness momentum after historic game? by Sabreena Merchant

Ranking WNBA’s top 30 stars through 30 years: Catchings, Taurasi, Wilson, Stewart and more by Sabreena Merchant

Sparks star Nneka Ogwumike ends WNBA 30th anniversary game with stunning buzzer-beater by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

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The WNBA is in the midst of a breakout era, drawing unprecedented attention and momentum across the league. In this episode, Swin Cash joins Sabreena and Annie for a timely conversation on the game’s rapid evolution—from intentional pathways for hiring women coaches and Olivia Miles turning heads on the court, to her role in the WNBA’s equity stake sale and her perspective on veteran recognition payments.

Swin also shares which team she’d love to play for if she were still in the league today.

Plus, a quick update on All-Star fan voting, along with Nike unveiling the first look at Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe.

REFERENCES: 

WNBA headed for 50-game schedule next season by Annie Costabile 

A’ja Wilson first, Caitlin Clark fifth among fan votes for WNBA All-Star Game in early returns by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costiable

Liberty to host Aces in WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship rematch by Sabreena Merchant

Caitlin Clark’s sneaker image released by Nike, due for sale on Oct. 1 by Jason Jones

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The WNBA has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ inclusion, thanks to years of advocacy and evolving league culture. Zena and Layshia take a deep dive into the history of the WNBA’s support for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during Pride Month. They discuss the challenges of representation in marketing, noting that campaigns often highlight feminine identities while leaving out a broader range of LGBTQ+ experiences. The conversation also explores how Pride can be celebrated in more authentic ways that go beyond marketing and create meaningful connections with fans and players alike.

REFERENCES: 

WNBA HISTORY PAGE CLIP

THIS WHO I AM COMMERICAL

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This season, the WNBA introduced developmental player roster spots for every team, creating new opportunities for emerging talent across the league. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down the intricacies of developmental player contracts and roster rules, while exploring the strategic decisions teams face when investing in player development, and spotlight some of the league's most intriguing developmental players. They also discuss why these opportunities—and the experience that comes with them—could play a critical role in shaping the future of the WNBA.

REFERENCES: 

Why are Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston such a strong duo? Just check Fever’s OT win over Sky By James Boyd

Satou Sabally’s bench production lifts New York Liberty to victory against Atlanta Dream by Annie Costabile

Liberty clinch spot in Commissioner’s Cup final, contemplate following Knicks’ title pathby Annie Costabile

WNBA power rankings: Liberty's Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones aren't at peaks, yet still dominating by Sabreena Merchant

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WNBA All-Star voting season is here. Sabreena and Annie dive into the factors shaping this year's selections, highlighting first-time candidates, unquestioned locks, and the players fighting for the final spots. They also explore the growing competitiveness of the All-Star Game and why financial incentives have made earning a roster spot more meaningful than ever.

REFERENCES: 

Trump has not extended White House invitation to 2025 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, team says by Annie Costabile

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As the WNBA celebrates its landmark 30th season, the league's momentum has never been stronger. NBC Sports broadcaster Zora Stephenson joins Zena and Layshia for an in-depth conversation on the explosive growth of women's basketball, the unprecedented parity across the league, and what it takes to succeed in today's game.

From standout rookies and player development to the teams turning heads this season, they unpack the biggest storylines shaping the future of the WNBA. Plus, Zora takes listeners behind the scenes, sharing unique insights into what sets the WNBA apart and why the league's rise is only accelerating.

REFERENCES: 

Olivia Miles may have gone No. 2, but the Lynx are now indisputably No. 1 by Sabreena Merchant

On Angel Reese’s big night back in Chicago, everyone has moved on — except the fans by Brian Hamilton

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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