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.
316episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How This New Rule Will Change The WNBA's Future
Today01:08:11Summary readyThis 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.No Offseason is hosted by Zena Keita, with Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Layshia Clarendon and Annie CostabileIt’s produced by Taneka Burrell.Our executive producer is Andrea B. Scott.Monica Compton is our video editor.Our theme music is by Marcus Bagala.Shannon Ryan is Managing Editor of Women’s Basketball at The Athletic.__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 This is the Most Competitive WNBA All-Star Ballot Yet
4d ago00:59:57Summary readyWNBA 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__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’s Momentum Is Real And Isn't Slowing Down
5d ago01:01:02Summary readyAs 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 MerchantOn Angel Reese’s big night back in Chicago, everyone has moved on — except the fans by Brian Hamilton__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 Hidden DNA Behind the WNBA's Best Teams
1w ago01:03:23Summary readyCoaching trees in the WNBA have had a major impact across the league’s 30-season history. In this episode, Zena and Annie explore the coaching legacies that continue to shape the game today, focusing on influential figures such as Dan Hughes, Bill Laimbeer, Cheryl Reeve, and Becky Hammon. They discuss how these coaches have left a lasting imprint on modern coaching styles, blending old-school fundamentals with contemporary strategies. The conversation also highlights how their approaches to roster building and player fit have helped define team success and evolve the way the game is coached in the WNBA.REFERENCES: WNBA power rankings: Can the L.A. Sparks find cohesion to reach the 2026 playoffs? by Sabreena MercantLiberty’s Breanna Stewart scores 30, helps New York rally past Indiana Fever by Sabreena Merchant__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 These Offseason Moves Are Paying Off
2w ago00:56:17Summary readySeveral offseason acquisitions are already making their presence felt around the league. Sabreena and Annie break down why Gabby Williams is thriving in Golden State, how Jessica Shepherd has strengthened Dallas, and what’s next for Angel Reese as she settles into her evolving role in Atlanta. They also explore the importance of players embracing roles that best serve team success, as well as the value of establishing a clear team identity.REFERENCES: $500,000 is now on the line. Plus: The WNBA lottery is just fine by Annie Costabile and Sabreena MerchantCan the New York Liberty get back to the top? They know it’ll require overtaking the Aces by Annie CostabileKelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark lead Fever over Dream in Commissioner’s Cup opener 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.
SummaryHow Monique Billings’ Unique WNBA Journey Made Her Resilient
2w ago00:46:09Summary readyIndiana Fever forward Monique Billings joins Zena and Layshia for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and her journey with the Fever. Monique shares insights on staying true to yourself, overcoming challenges, and the importance of leadership in building strong teams. She also discusses life under the WNBA's CBA, and her transition into media and broadcasting. Throughout the conversation, Monique reflects on her gratitude for the growing opportunities available to both herself and her fellow athletes.REFERENCES: Caitlin Clark, Stephanie White downplay viral argument: ‘It’s coaching’ by James BoydCaitlin Clark is always under a microscope. Handling it is big part of Stephanie White’s job by 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.
SummaryToo Early, Too Bold: Our WNBA Hot Takes
2w ago01:03:10Summary readyExpansion teams making the playoffs? Tanking in the WNBA? Coaches on the hot seat? Zena, Annie, and Sabreena are diving into their hottest early-season WNBA takes. The crew is dishing out half-baked predictions and bold declarations. Will these takes come true? Only time will tell. Until then, we're embracing the uncertainty and delivering our most unapologetic WNBA hot takes.REFERENCES: WNBA power rankings: How are Minnesota Lynx on top despite so many injuries? by Sabreena MerchantCaitlin Clark, Stephanie White downplay viral argument: ‘It’s coaching’ 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.
SummaryWhy It's Already Panic Mode For These WNBA Teams
3w ago00:49:11Summary readyThe Phoenix Mercury’s early struggles are raising questions about their consistency, while the New York Liberty are having trouble living up to expectations. Sabreena and Annie break down the teams that are already creeping close to the panic button this early in the season, as offseason decisions begin to show their impact across the league. Injuries are also taking a toll on multiple teams, shifting momentum and exposing early weaknesses. And for a few others, the panic meter is already starting to rise.REFERENCES: Satou Sabally's split from the Mercury may be the New York Liberty's gain by 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.
SummaryWhy WNBA Team Building is Changing
3w ago01:15:24Summary readyThe recent roster changes by Portland Fire have sparked a larger conversation about whether the WNBA is increasingly prioritizing international talent in team-building decisions. Zena and Layshia break down the Fire’s controversial roster moves while examining the broader issues of race, identity, and representation across the league. The duo also explores the impact of racial dynamics in roster construction, the growing influence of the international style of play, and the ongoing need for equal opportunities in coaching, scouting, and player development throughout women’s basketball.REFERENCES: Nneka Ogwumike checks the Sparks. Plus: The player coach by Annie Costabile and Sabreena Merchant__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.
SummaryWomen’s Basketball Mailbag: Answering Your Questions
3w ago01:00:03Summary readyFrom the business behind the WNBA to the culture shaping the future of the game, Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down the developmental player system, the challenges of dual ownership structures, and what truly defines effective coaching—from team execution to player buy-in and locker room dynamics.The conversation also dives into the WNBA’s continued growth, the impact of NBA resources on the league, and how players are adapting to new rules and expectations. Plus, they explore the influence of college basketball on player loyalty and fan engagement, as well as the evolving role athletes play in social justice and activism.__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