No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Zena, Annie, and Layshia Clarendon dive into the evolving landscape of WNBA media coverage and how the league’s rapid growth is changing the conversation around players and teams. What was once cautious coverage has shifted toward deeper analysis and tougher criticism — a sign that the league is entering a new era of mainstream attention. The trio discusses why constructive criticism and accountability are necessary for a growing league, how responsible reporting shapes the WNBA ecosystem, and why fans need to understand the context and impact of modern sports media coverage.

REFERENCES: 

Portland Fire notch first win, edge New York Liberty on buzzer-beater by Sabreena Merchant

Azzi Fudd sits out Wings’ home opener with right knee injury by Brian Hamilton

Cori Close, UCLA agree to contract extension through 2029-30 season by Matt Moret

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Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down their biggest surprises from opening weekend action in the WNBA. They spotlight surprising early-season results, including strong performances from rookies and impactful new additions to teams like the Washington Mystics and Golden State Valkyries. The trio then discusses which teams already appear ahead of schedule in their development, along with early concerns around Caitlin Clark’s back issue and defensive inconsistencies from the Los Angeles Sparks.

And to finish, we play a numbers game.

REFERENCES: 

Mercury get revenge on Aces with season-opening dismantling: ‘They’ve been pissed’ by Sabreena Merchant

How the Dallas Wings took down the Indiana Fever in WNBA season-opener thriller by Annie Costabile and Brian Hamilton

Paige Bueckers showed why she holds keys to Dallas Wings’ season in win over Indiana Fever by Annie Costabile 

The WNBA bet big on Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers. Opening Day delivered by Brian Hamilton

Las Vegas Aces’ ‘crown is getting heavier’ in disappointing opening loss to Mercury by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA power rankings: How far do the Aces drop after an opening-game debacle? by Sabreena Merchant

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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The 30th season of the WNBA officially tips off today, and Sabreena and Annie open the conversation by breaking down the latest roster changes across the league. They also discuss Napheesa Collier’s candid remarks on WNBA leadership and what they could mean moving forward.

From there, the duo turns to their season preview, offering predictions for major awards including MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year, along with early championship outlooks. They also explore the idea of voter fatigue in MVP voting and highlight several potential dark horse candidates who could shake up the season.

Plus, we tell you where to set your screens!

REFERENCES:

Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts? Who will win 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year? Voters: Annie Costabile, Sabreena Merchant, Brian Hamilton, Chantel Jennings

Who's earning the 2026 WNBA MVP award? A'ja Wilson? Paige Bueckers? Caitlin Clark? Voters: Annie Costabile, Sabreena Merchant, Brian Hamilton, Chantel Jennings

Las Vegas Aces' quest to repeat started with retaining A'ja Wilson. Here's how they did it by: Sabreena Merchant

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

TikTok: @no_offseason

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging conversation, Zena and Layshia share their thoughts on the WNBA General Manager Survey that dropped this week. From there, the duo previews the upcoming WNBA season with bold superlative predictions—from best fit for reality TV and the league’s comedian to top platonic duos, best tunnel fits, and more. They also break down which teams have the strongest backup point guards, who boasts the best depth, and which true bigs are poised to dominate the paint.

Plus, the crew reflects on legendary WNBA center Tina Charles, who has announced her retirement.

REFERENCES: 

WNBA GM survey: A’ja Wilson, Aces receive top marks; Wings win vote for best offseason by Sabreena Merchant

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

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As we get closer to the start of the WNBA season, our big questions continue. This time, Zena, Layshia, and Sabreena take a look at the league’s top contenders. The crew discusses whether the Aces will get off to a strong start and what the early dynamics of the Liberty might look like with Satou Sabally in the mix. We also explore what factors could push the Dream and Wings into true contender conversations. Then we shift to the Fever and examine what their identity could look like with Caitlin Clark back in the lineup.

Lastly, we dive into the mailbag, breaking down what it means when teams exercise a player’s option.

REFERENCES: 

Fever vs. Wings takeaways: Caitlin Clark’s early exit, Azzi Fudd’s pro debut by James Boyd

Angel Reese fits right in with Dream, beats Sky in first game since trade: Takeaways by Annie Costabile

WNBA preseason power rankings: Can anyone dethrone the Las Vegas Aces? by Sabreena Merchant

Chicago Sky sign Natasha Cloud, waive Hailey Van Lith by Annie Costabile

Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu to miss at least two weeks with injury by Annie Costabile

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

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Sabreena and Annie take a closer look at the league’s middle tier—teams with something to prove. They evaluate the future outlook of the Minnesota Lynx, explore whether the Golden State Valkyries can find success again in year two, and consider what lies ahead for the Los Angeles Sparks. We also dive into the pressure facing the Chicago Sky amid roster changes, and the challenges confronting Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury.

Finally, we’ll tell you where to set your screens!

REFERENCES: 

As Angel Reese returns to Chicago with Dream, Sky work to re-imagine their future by Annie Costabile

Angel Reese fits right in with Dream, beats Sky in first game since trade: Takeaways by Annie Costabile

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

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Layshia and Annie talk through WNBA teams that are in build mode. From finding the right mix of rookies and vets to handling expansion challenges, they look at how Portland, Toronto, Washington, Connecticut, and Seattle are figuring out who they are in the 2026 season. Plus, they get into coaching, team strategies, what success looks like, and why some teams have the potential to surprise sooner than expected.

Plus — our take on the NCAA’s push to expand the tournament.

REFERENCES: 

NCAA basketball tournaments closing in on 76-team March Madness starting in 2027: Sources by Ralph D. Russo

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

TikTok: @no_offseason

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we welcome our new women’s basketball writer and co-host, Annie Costabile! Chantel and Annie kick things off with a look inside the Fever training camp, joined by Colts beat writer James Boyd, who has been inside the camp. James shares insight on Caitlin Clark’s return and highlights key players who could step up to ease her ball-handling load—allowing her to thrive off the ball.

Next, Chantel and Annie turn their attention to New York, where head coach Chris DeMarco is working to establish a new identity for the Liberty heading into the season. From there, they break down the Chicago Sky in their post-Angel era, exploring whether their latest retooling efforts will pay off—and what might be different this time around.

Finally, we wrap things up with a “get to know Annie” segment.

REFERENCES: 

Raven Johnson, Caitlin Clark reunite with Fever after wave-off: ‘Maybe I needed that’ by James Boyd

Caitlin Clark stays Fever’s top ballhandler, but Raven Johnson should alleviate pressure by James Boyd

Fever vs. Liberty preseason takeaways: First looks at Caitlin Clark, New York’s bigs by Annie Costabile

Indiana Fever, Aliyah Boston strike $6.3 million extension; highest total value in WNBA history: Sources by James Boyd

Liberty starter Natasha Cloud remains unsigned with WNBA preseason underway by Annie Costabile

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

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Chantel Jennings chats with UCLA head coach Cori Close about the whirlwind following UCLA Women’s Basketball’s national title win, the lessons learned from past experiences, and what it takes to build a championship culture.

Coach Close also shares the influence of John Wooden and discusses the evolving landscape of college sports—particularly the transfer portal and NIL era. She outlines her strategic approach to recruiting and emphasizes the importance of institutional support for sustained success.

REFERENCES: 

How UCLA’s super senior class, led by Lauren Betts, set the championship standard by Sabreena Merchant

Grading every 2026 WNBA first-round draft pick from Azzi Fudd to Lauren Betts by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

TikTok: @no_offseason

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Layshia break down the moment that got everyone talking: was it fair to ask Azzi Fudd about her personal relationship with Paige Bueckers? They unpack the context behind the question, the reactions it sparked, and the broader conversation around how female athletes are covered.  We also examine the extent of Paige’s influence on the Wings’ decision to select Azzi.

Then, we pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to be in WNBA training camp—navigating the jump from college to the pros. The conversation captures the mix of anxiety and excitement that defines the experience, along with the vital role of communication and teamwork and making lasting impressions.

Lastly, the duo wraps things up, questioning why veteran Natasha Cloud has yet to be signed.

REFERENCES: 

How will the Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd on-court reunion go for the Dallas Wings? by Sabreena Merchant

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason 

IG: @tanooffseason

TikTok: @no_offseason

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.