Podcast
No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Hosted by The Athletic · EN
No Offseason is The Athletic’s show for all things women’s basketball. Hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Layshia Clarendon, and Annie Costabile bring you the stories that matter the most and the insider info you need from the sport that never stops – served up alongside exclusive interviews with the biggest names in women’s hoops, from the NCAA to the WNBA and all points in between. New episodes drop Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
326episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Officiating in the WNBA Lacks Accountability
Yesterday01:02:59Summary readyOfficiating 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__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryThe Beginning of the End for Cathy Engelbert? + All-Star Starters Surprises
5d ago00:58:51Summary readyIs 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/__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhat Ever Happened to “No Space for Hate” in the WNBA? + Layshia on Life After Retirement
6d ago01:10:06Summary readyThe 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/__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhy the WNBA Keeps Creating PR Nightmares
1w ago01:15:00Summary readyThe 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-engelberthttps://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__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryEmergency Pod: Caitlin Out + The Aftermath of Fever-Mercury
2w ago00:29:34Summary readyCaitlin 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.__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryHow the 2026 Rookie of the Year Became WNBA's Most Competitive Race
2w ago00:45:49Summary readyThe 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. __No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryIs WNBA Physical Play Out of Control?
2w ago01:02:45Summary readyPhysicality 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 HamiltonCaitlin Clark blasts officials for ‘ridiculous’ tech, inches closer to suspension by James BoydWNBA will not rescind Caitlin Clark’s technical foul from Fever-Mercury game by James Boyd__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryAzzi to Project B, Sparks-Liberty Re-do + Top 30 WNBA Stars From 30 Years
2w ago01:09:25Summary readyThe 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 CostabileSeattle Storm rookie Flau’jae Johnson to join Unrivaled by Annie CoastabileWNBA power rankings: Will the Los Angeles Sparks harness momentum after historic game? by Sabreena MerchantRanking WNBA’s top 30 stars through 30 years: Catchings, Taurasi, Wilson, Stewart and more by Sabreena MerchantSparks star Nneka Ogwumike ends WNBA 30th anniversary game with stunning buzzer-beater by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummarySwin Cash on Why the WNBA Needs More Women in the Coaching Pipeline
3w ago00:59:29Summary readyThe 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 CostiableLiberty to host Aces in WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship rematch by Sabreena MerchantCaitlin Clark’s sneaker image released by Nike, due for sale on Oct. 1 by Jason Jones__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryIs the WNBA Doing Enough for Pride Month?
3w ago01:22:53Summary readyhe 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 CLIPTHIS WHO I AM COMMERICAL__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: NoOffseason@theathletic.comSign up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summary