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.
302episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Is the WNBA Ready to Be Criticized Like Every Other Major League?
Yesterday01:35:35Summary readyZena, 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 MerchantAzzi Fudd sits out Wings’ home opener with right knee injury by Brian HamiltonCori Close, UCLA agree to contract extension through 2029-30 season by Matt Moret__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.
SummaryOur Biggest Surprises from WNBA Opening Weekend
3d ago00:55:38Summary readyZena, 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 MerchantHow the Dallas Wings took down the Indiana Fever in WNBA season-opener thriller by Annie Costabile and Brian HamiltonPaige 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 HamiltonLas Vegas Aces’ ‘crown is getting heavier’ in disappointing opening loss to Mercury by Sabreena MerchantWNBA power rankings: How far do the Aces drop after an opening-game debacle? 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.
Summary2026 Big Award Predictions + Who We Picked to Win the Title
1w ago00:53:36Summary readyThe 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 JenningsWho's earning the 2026 WNBA MVP award? A'ja Wilson? Paige Bueckers? Caitlin Clark? Voters: Annie Costabile, Sabreena Merchant, Brian Hamilton, Chantel JenningsLas Vegas Aces' quest to repeat started with retaining A'ja Wilson. Here's how they did it by: Sabreena MerchantSign up for the No Offseason Newsletter!__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.
SummaryWNBA Superlative Predictions: Reality TV Ready Stars to Dynamic Duos
1w ago01:03:28Summary readyIn 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__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWNBA Contenders: Are We Destined for an Aces-Liberty Final?
1w ago01:07:34Summary readyAs 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 BoydAngel Reese fits right in with Dream, beats Sky in first game since trade: Takeaways by Annie CostabileWNBA preseason power rankings: Can anyone dethrone the Las Vegas Aces? by Sabreena MerchantChicago 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__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summary2026 WNBA Draft Winners and Losers
Apr 1400:48:22Summary readyAfter months of speculation, the final picks for the 2026 WNBA Draft are in -- and the No Offseason crew is breaking it all down. Join Zena, Sabreena, and Chantel as they dig into the draft's biggest winners and losers: did Dallas make the right choice with Azzi Fudd? What’s the strategy behind the Mystics’ six picks? And was Golden State’s trade of Flau’jae Johnson to Seattle a smart move? The crew also talks team fit, including who’s primed to get minutes right away.REFERENCES: Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd with No. 1 pick of 2026 WNBA Draft by Chantel Jennings and Sabreena MerchantGrading every 2026 WNBA first-round draft pick from Azzi Fudd to Lauren Betts by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jenningshttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7194986/2026/04/14/wnba-draft-winners-losers-ucla-engelbert-fudd/Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter!__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhere Will Audi Crooks, Kymora Johnson, and Other Top Players End Up?
Apr 1000:49:09Summary readyChantel and Sabreena break down the massive impact of the college basketball transfer portal, where more than 1,200 Division I players have entered their names. But where will Audi Crooks go? Can South Carolina Gamecocks land Kymora Johnson? And how will the UCLA Bruins approach the portal? The duo also discuss how coaches are adapting to this new reality and examine which programs are feeling the greatest impact.We close out with predictions for who will go No. 1 in the WNBA Draft.REFERENCES: Virginia, Amaka Agugua-Hamilton part ways after ending 8-year NCAA Tournament drought by Grace RaynorVirginia hires Richmond’s Aaron Roussell as new women’s basketball coach by Sabreena MerchantEight Tennessee women’s basketball players are transferring. None are returning by Rebecca TauberWomen’s basketball portal rankings: With more than 1,000 names in, who can make the most impact? by Chantel Jennings__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWNBA Draft Watch: Should Betts or Miles go No. 1 overall?
Apr 900:48:35Summary readyHuge WNBA trade news! Zena and Layshia kick things off with the blockbuster trade of Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, breaking down how she’ll fit with the team.From there, the duo dives into the Washington Mystics’ recent changes, including the departure of GM Jamila Wideman over strategic differences, with head coach Sydney Johnson stepping in to take on GM responsibilities as well. With the WNBA Draft coming up next week, Zena and Layshia break down which players boosted their stock during the tournament and which ones left lingering questions. They also highlight the lack of a clear favorite for the number one pick, putting players like Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, and Azzi Fudd in the mix for number one.They wrap it all up with a fun round of “Match That Player.”REFERENCES: Chicago Sky trade Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream for 2 first-round picks by Sabreena MerchantAngel Reese’s trade another example of Chicago Sky’s inability to hold onto stars by Shakeia Taylor__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summary
How UCLA Won its First-Ever National Championship
Apr 600:43:48Summary readyTogether in Phoenix after the national championship game, the whole No Offseason crew dives deep into UCLA’s decisive win over South Carolina. With a spotlight on UCLA’s six seniors — including Most Outstanding Player, Lauren Betts, and star guard, Gabriela Jaquez — Zena, Layshia, Sabreena and Chantel dissect UCLA head coach Cori Close’s incisive game plan to take down South Carolina, and her players’ elite execution of that plan. They also break down what went wrong for South Carolina, outside of not getting their shots to drop. Then, the crew speculates on what might come next for UCLA, with so many roster spots to fill next year and a newly open transfer portal.REFERENCES: UCLA clobbers South Carolina for first NCAA national title in program history by Cameron Teague RobinsonHow UCLA’s super senior class, led by Lauren Betts, set the championship standard by Sabreena MerchantFor UCLA, a championship lesson came from losing by Jerry BrewerDawn Staley isn’t here for the drama. She’s here to protect the game by Jerry BrewerSacrifice and selflessness define coach Cori Close’s UCLA championship run by Chantel Jennings What went wrong for South Carolina? The main thing: UCLA’s dominating defense by Grace Raynor__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhat Happened between Geno and Dawn? + Title Game Preview
Apr 401:02:42Summary readyWhat exactly happened between Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley at the end of UConn-South Carolina game? The No Offseason crew are live to dive into the behind-the-scenes of that moment, plus all the moments from last night's Final Four. Then, a look-ahead to the title game, where UCLA and South Carolina will meet for all the glory on Sunday afternoon. Plus, thoughts on the WNBA Expansion Draft.REFERENCES: The night Geno Auriemma snapped — and Dawn Staley showed the game has changed by Jerry BrewerGeno Auriemma apologizes for behavior after heated exchange with Dawn Staley by Shannon RyanUConn’s chase for perfection ends with imperfect Final Four loss to South Carolina by Chantel JenningsUCLA women’s basketball regained its focus to set sights on national championship by Sabreena MerchantFirst look at the women’s national championship: Who will win? South Carolina or UCLA? by Cameron Teague Robinson WNBA expansion draft winners and losers: Portland’s depth, Toronto’s future scoring by Sabreena Merchant __No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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