2025 WNBA Predictions: MVP, Champion, All-WNBA, and more

Summary

Podcast Summary: No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show Episode: 2025 WNBA Predictions: MVP, Champion, All-WNBA, and More
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Hosts: Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabrina Merchant, and Ben Pickman

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Introduction

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into their 2025 WNBA predictions, covering MVP contenders, championship favorites, All-WNBA team selections, and other intriguing awards. They also discuss significant offseason developments and roster changes that could influence the upcoming season.

WNBA Offseason News

Connecticut Sun Exploration of Team Sale ([03:45])

• Zena Keita: Announces that the Connecticut Sun have sold out their season ticket memberships for the first time and that the franchise is considering a potential sale.
• Sabrina Merchant: Explains that Sun President General Zodia confirmed all options are on the table, including a majority ownership sale which could lead to relocation. She highlights the implications for both Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and the WNBA during a period of explosive growth and high interest in expansion teams.

Seattle Storm Players Skipping Eurobasket ([05:39])

• Zena Keita: Highlights Seattle Storm players Gabby Williams and rookie Dominique Malonga opting out of the 2025 Eurobasket tournament to focus on their WNBA commitments.
• Ben Pickman: Discusses broader trends, noting that other players like Carla Layte are also skipping international duties. He emphasizes the increasing prioritization of the WNBA as teams invest more in their franchises, making it more attractive for players to stay stateside. He also touches on FIBA’s scheduling changes to accommodate WNBA seasons.

Roster Cuts and Competition ([10:06] - [13:06])

Notable Cuts:

• Zena Keita: Mentions surprising cuts including Haley Jones (Atlanta), Cheyenne Sellers and Caitlyn Chen (Golden State), Ari MacDonald (LA), and Diamond DeShields (Connecticut Sun), who shared her experience on TikTok about the challenges of being waived.

Discussion on Roster Competition:

• Sabrina Merchant: Explains the limited roster spots (12 per team) and the increasing competition from international talent, making it harder for NCAA stars to secure a place in the WNBA. She encourages fans to stay optimistic as many players have future opportunities to join the league.
• Ben Pickman: Highlights the ongoing conversation about roster limits and salary cap constraints, emphasizing that despite cuts, players can make comebacks in future seasons.

2025 WNBA MVP Predictions ([14:19] - [18:35])

Asia Wilson vs. Nafeesa Collier:

• Sabrina Merchant ([14:19]): Predicts Asia Wilson as MVP, citing her historic previous season where she set multiple records, including the first player to surpass 1,000 points in a single season. She addresses concerns about her playing fewer minutes by emphasizing her unparalleled performance.

  “Asia Wilson just put up this historic season, like arguably the most dominant season in WNBA history.” ([14:19])

• Ben Pickman ([16:11]): Contrarily selects Nafeesa Collier, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting her leadership in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks during the postseason.

  “Nafeesa Collier will still have that opportunity to be the superstar of the league.” ([16:25])

• Zena Keita ([17:34]): Agrees with Nafeesa Collier, arguing that her increased minutes and opportunities make her a stronger MVP candidate compared to Asia Wilson, who may have reduced touches.

  “Fee will accumulate more minutes, more touches, more opportunities to elevate in terms of production.” ([17:34])

Breakout Team Predictions ([21:34] - [27:33])

Seattle Storm vs. Chicago Sky:

• Zena Keita: Favors the Seattle Storm as a breakout team, citing new additions like Dominique Malonga and Ezzy Magor enhancing their roster.

  “I really think that trio, I would say quartet can be really dangerous this year.” ([25:34])

• Ben Pickman: Chooses the Chicago Sky as his breakout team, impressed by their offseason additions, including Courtney Vandersloot and Angel Reese, and the strategic hiring of coach Tyler Marsh.

  “I think for this year the roster makes a lot of sense. They’re going to surprise some people this year too.” ([22:52])

2025 WNBA Champion Prediction ([25:42] - [31:41])

Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces:

• Sabrina Merchant ([25:42]): Predicts the New York Liberty will win the championship by defeating the Las Vegas Aces in the Finals. She credits Natasha Cloud’s impact and questions the depth and cohesion of other top contenders.

  “New York ends up repeating come October.” ([27:33])

• Ben Pickman ([27:47]): Contrarily predicts the Minnesota Lynx will take the title, motivated by their previous Finals loss and the potential return of Kayla McBride.

  “The Lynx are gonna take it over the Aces.” ([29:23])

• Zena Keita ([29:48]): Agrees with Ben, emphasizing the Lynx’s motivation to secure the championship after a heartbreaking Finals loss.

  “I think that’s gonna be the Lynx over the Aces.” ([29:48])

All-WNBA Team Predictions ([33:12] - [38:49])

Consensus All-WNBA First and Second Teams:

• First Team:

  1. Asia Wilson
  2. Nafeesa Collier
  3. Caitlin Clark
  4. Brianna Stewart
  5. Alyssa Thomas

• Second Team:

  1. Sabrina Ionescu
  2. Satou Sabili
  3. Jonquill Jones
  4. Kelsey Plum
  5. Arike Ngubawale

Host Reactions and Discussions:

• Sabrina Merchant ([35:03]): Finds the consensus first team unexciting as it mirrors last year’s All-WNBA selections.

  “Well, my reaction is it was boring.” ([35:03])

• Ben Pickman ([37:02]): Criticizes the lack of positional balance, noting an overrepresentation of frontcourt players.

  “If I'm going to have four guards on these two teams, I only have room for six forwards and forward is a very deep position in the WNBA.” ([37:02])

• Zena Keita ([38:32]): Points out discrepancies between individual and consensus picks, especially questioning the inclusion of multiple Liberty players.

• Sabrina Merchant ([38:49]): Defends her selections by emphasizing player roles and team dynamics, highlighting Alyssa Thomas's potential despite uncertainty in her new role.

  “I think Alyssa Thomas is still a better player.” ([41:42])

Additional Predictions and Awards ([48:11] - [51:35])

Most Technical Fouls:

• Zena Keita: Chooses Skylar Diggins.
• Ben Pickman: Prefers Natasha Cloud, noting she led the league in technicals last year.
• Sabrina Merchant: Selects Tierra McCowan of the Dallas Wings.

  “Tierra McCowan as the technical foul leader by the end of the season.” ([49:08])

Best Social Media Presence:

• Zena Keita: Awards Angel Reese as the best social media presence.

  “It's Angel Reese.” ([49:51])

• Ben Pickman: Suggests Sidney Coulson for the funniest social media presence.

  “If it’s player, it’s Sidney Coulson on the funniest person on social media.” ([50:09])

Most Surprising Celebrity Appearance:

• Zena Keita: Predicts Beyoncé, considering her tour schedule and potential appearances with her daughters.
• Ben Pickman: Hopes to see Timothy Chalamet at a WNBA game, drawn by his energetic presence at Knicks games.
• Sabrina Merchant: Agrees with Anne Hathaway as a potential surprise guest, referencing player efforts to invite her.

Upcoming Games to Watch ([53:49] - [55:18])

Hosts Discuss Key Matchups:

• Zena Keita: Highlights the Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury game, noting the Mercury's new era without Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
• Ben Pickman: Focuses on the Dallas Wings vs. Minnesota Lynx opening night.
• Sabrina Merchant: Mentions the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury as must-watch games.

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up by expressing excitement for the upcoming WNBA season, encouraging listeners to engage via social media, and reminding them to submit their questions for future episodes. They also promote their YouTube channel and partner content on Yahoo Sports.

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Notable Quotes:

• Sabrina Merchant ([14:19]):
  “Asia Wilson just put up this historic season, like arguably the most dominant season in WNBA history.”

• Ben Pickman ([16:25]):
  “Nafeesa Collier will still have that opportunity to be the superstar of the league.”

• Zena Keita ([17:34]):
  “Fee will accumulate more minutes, more touches, more opportunities to elevate in terms of production.”

• Sabrina Merchant ([25:42]):
  “New York ends up repeating come October.”

• Ben Pickman ([29:23]):
  “The Lynx are gonna take it over the Aces.”

• Sabrina Merchant ([35:03]):
  “Well, my reaction is it was boring.”

• Ben Pickman ([37:02]):
  “If I'm going to have four guards on these two teams, I only have room for six forwards and forward is a very deep position in the WNBA.”

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This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, predictions, and insights into the upcoming WNBA season. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to women's basketball, this episode provides valuable perspectives on what to expect in 2025.

Transcript

[Zena Kaeda]

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[Hannah Berner]

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[Sabrina Merchant]

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[Zena Kaeda]

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[Ben Pickman]

I'm Stephen Sabrina Merchant.

[Sabrina Merchant]

And I'm Ben Pickman.

[Zena Kaeda]

Today on the show it is WNBA Tip Off Day. In honor of the start of the season, we are coming to you with our 2025 prediction pod. We're gonna be talking MVP champs and who is making our all at WNBA teams.

[Sabrina Merchant]

Okay.

[Zena Kaeda]

Plus we got some fun ones as well some other awards to give out and we've got a lot to say about who to watch during opening weekend. We but first, like we mentioned last episode, we are going to do a mailback episode very soon. So make sure you're sending us your questions about the WNBA season that's coming up. Email us at no offseason theathletic.com or find us on X or Blue Sky. I've already seen some come through so appreciate you guys sending those through. We're collecting them and getting ready, of course, getting our experts on it. We're going to make sure we get all of your questions answered. More details in the show notes. Okay, before we get into our prediction pod, let's talk about some news that's happening around the wnba. First up, Connecticut. What's going on with Connecticut? Okay. Apparently the Connecticut sun have sold out their season ticket memberships for the first time in franchise history. Also right when ownership is exploring a potential sale of the team. Ben, I know you're on this case. What is happening up at Mohegan Sun?

[Sabrina Merchant]

Zena, I like what you did there a little bit with a kind of sold, sold, a little word play there. And we should say the Connecticut sun are not, have not been sold yet. But earlier this week, Sun President General Zodia confirmed to some reporters that the franchise is exploring a potential sale of the team. And now Rezati said specifically, quote, all options are on the table as, as it relates to a sale process. And so you know, in her telling, that could include a majority ownership sale that leads to relocation. That's something like we saw a couple years back when the San Antonio spurs ownership group sold that franchise to MGM and they moved the team from San Antonio to Las Vegas. In this case, you could have a majority ownership sale that maybe keeps the team in Connecticut or a sale that involves say a minority stake in the franchise. And you know, we've seen as recently as a couple of years ago with the Seattle Storm, they sold about, I want to say, 10% of their franchise to fund their new practice facility. So there's a lot of scenarios kind of at play here. And a potential sale of the team comes at a critical time for both the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which are the Sun's parent company, and the wnba. The MTGA is dealing with a bit of a debt and refinancing situation that is kind of worth watching from a big picture business standpoint. And the WNBA is obviously in this explosive period of growth. And in late January it received all these bids for expansion teams and inevitably, you know, there were more than 10 bidders not all those teams or bidders are going to get a team. So interest is really high for people getting in the wnba. And so the timing of all those bids coming in, coupled with a team potentially like on the market for majority sale, creates a lot of buzz, a lot of questions about what that asking price might be and a lot of questions of what it all means going forward. The sun players, for, you know, their perspective, they're saying we're just trying to control what we can control and, and focus on gameplay which begins for them on Sunday.

[Zena Kaeda]

I imagine that that would be such a steal. Like if you are a team that put in a bid and then you find out a team that just sold out their tickets is available for sale. Yeah, that seems like an easy buy if you're someone on the market looking for a team. Okay. Something that's not quite an easy buy, but a hard decision made by two players for the Seattle Storm, Gabby Williams and rookie Dominique Malonga, that everyone has been very excited to see number two pick in this last draft. They've announced that they will not participate in the 2025 Euro basket tournament, with the French national team choosing to instead focus on their WNBA commitments. Now, both players were part of the French team that reached the gold medal game of the Paris Olympics. And their decision kind of underscores the growing importance of WNBA play over international. And I don't think I ever knew that I was going to say that sentence. Sabrina, this is huge because a lot of folks were expecting players to go back to Europe to fulfill those international duties rather than stay stateside. And now two major players, particularly Dominique Malanga, making that decision to say stateside. How much does that really reflect the evolving dynamics between Euroball and the wnba?

[Ben Pickman]

Yeah, it's not just the two of them. Carla Layte for the Golden State Valkyries is also elected to skip Eurobasket again for Team France. We should note that a lot of players have said that they are still planning to go back, including Maureen Johannes, Leonie Fibic and Yara Savli from the New York Liberty, who play for Germany and France respectively, among that group. But I do think it is interesting that Gabby Williams in particular, a player who has consistently battled internally over how to represent France versus how to get continue her WNBA career, got a pretty big contract from the Seattle Storm this off season. And I wonder if part of the incentive was, hey, we kind of need you to be here for the season if we're going to commit to you in this way. Worth noting that the Seattle Storm are starting the season with only 10 healthy players because of Katie Lou Samuelson's ACL injury. So they're already at a bit of a roster deficit compared to other teams that could have as many as 12 players. And if you lose Malanga and Gabby Williams during the course of the season, that puts them at a real depth disadvantage too. So I think there are a lot of factors that go into it. One of them is WNBA teams committing more resources and investment towards their franchises, which makes it more attractive for players to want to stay here during the regular season versus leaving for part of it to go to EuroBasket. Part of it is, I think this isn't the World cup or the Olympics. It is a European championship versus a global competition. We've talked about this with respect to France before too. They require a very long Runway before international tournaments. It's not just your normal we go there for two weeks to the tournament. There's a lot of lead time that the French national team needs to get ready before all these international tournaments. So I think there's all sorts of things going into it. But it is impressive to me that Gabby Williams, who has been such a stalwart for the France team, who was one couple of feet away from making a three pointer to send the game into overtime in the gold medal game of the Olympics, is not going to be representing France at this tournament.

[Sabrina Merchant]

The one thing I would add to Sabrina is in terms of Zena's original question about the dynamics between the international play and the US Is on Thursday, FIBA actually announced that the World cup in 2030 was moving to November and December. And yeah, 2030 is a long way away. But that's significant because it is a sign from fiba, the International Basketball Federation, that says like, we want to have as much participation of the best players in that event as possible and not conflict schedule wise with the WNBA season. So the FIBA World cup in 2026 is set to be played in September, basically right at the end, presumably at the end of the WNBA regular season and start of the postseason. Obviously we don't know those dates for the W season specific specifically right now, but that's usually when you know, that's that time in the calendar. So FIFA's kind of decision to push it back into the fall is a sign that's saying like, hey, we want the best players in the world, no matter their country, to participate. And we're kind of conceding to the WNBA schedule, which is not something that they have traditionally done for international competitions, whether it's the World cup, whether It's Eurobasket. Whether it's the Olympics, historically it's been.

[Ben Pickman]

The WNBA that's had to make concessions. You know, they end their season earlier during World cup years. Think about 2022, when Asia Wilson, Chelsea Gray, you know, Connecticut players had to get onto a flight right after the finals ended to go to Australia to compete in the start of the World cup that year.

[Zena Kaeda]

There you go. All right. Well, looks like that, that's a development. And with the CPA coming now, it's not just the leagues that are going to be making some adjustments. I am sure the players are going to be making those adjustments, especially when you look at what's happening in their bank account. Okay, let's keep it moving into the final rosters. Now, of course, it's the WNBA prediction pod, which means that WNBA season is here, which also means that we are now gone through the painful process of waves and cuts. Um, this has been, I think, even more dramatic than it's, it's ever been because one, there's an extra team. There's, there's more visibility into the fact that there's more younger players getting cut. And I think more players are starting to become more vocal about what's happened. Some of the notable surprising cuts for a lot of folks, Haley Jones out of Atlanta, Cheyenne Sellers and Caitlyn Chen out of Golden State, and then Cheyenne Sellers getting cut from Atlanta. Ari MacDonald out of LA and then Diamond DeShields from Connecticut sun, who took to TikTok to share her experience of just how difficult it is of being cut and then having to adjust her life from moving all her things to Connecticut and then having to go to Atlanta. Of course there's an emotional element out of this, but there's also an aspect of just the roster itself. There are still only 12 spots. Yes, there's 13 teams, but there's still only 12 spots. Folks are starting to pick up on the fact that there's more international talent coming in. It's causing a little bit of a in between period for some folks that are coming out of the NCAA system, making teams through the draft and then not being kept. So, Sabrina, I'm going to turn to you. What do these high profile cuts? I mean, these are players that won NCAA championships that look through training camp to look like they were making impressions on their teams. What does it say about the current state of roster competition and talent depth in the wnba?

[Ben Pickman]

I mean, it's the same conversation we've been having for the last five, six years. You know, as long as roster spots are 12 big, and a lot of teams can only carry 11 because of salary cap constraints. There just isn't enough room for everybody who succeeded at the NCAA level to play in the wnba. You know, even with the extra team you mentioned, Golden State brought in a lot of international talent. So it's not like there was 12 extra spots just for collegiate players to make WNBA rosters that there weren't a year ago. I think it's worth noting that a lot of players, even if they don't make the WNBA in their first go round, just being in training camp and putting a good impression forward and making good connections is important. You look at a player like Haley peters in the 2014 draft class who's making it back to Connecticut. You think about Katherine Westfeld, you know, out of Notre dame from their 2019 title team. She's making her WNBA debut for Phoenix this year. So it's never over. You know, the WNBA process is forever ongoing. But just something to keep in mind, if your favorite players didn't make a roster this year, there's. There's always an opportunity down the line if being in the WNBA is something they want to continue to pursue.

[Zena Kaeda]

A comment that Satsu Sabley made from her TikTok account on a video about waivers and mentioning the fact that, you know, certain players. I won't reference what players she was referring to, but saying at least she got a chance, she got an opportunity. And saying they got waived because they're not good enough yet. But again, the yet is the emphasis. There is still opportunity for these players to get better. Obviously, injuries will happen throughout the year. You think about Monique Billings that is now on the Golden State Valkyries roster, coming into Dallas and being able to take an opportunity there from dealing with injuries and then going to Phoenix and now being on a team on her own. There's stories like that all the way throughout the wnba. So ideally, a lot of these folks that are getting waived will find a way to stay within the WNBA ecosphere. Okay, now let's keep it going and turn our attention to our predictions. And we gotta start with the big one, folks. Let's just go right into it, you know, not. Let's not get our toes dipped in. No, no, let's just jump in. Full splash mvp. Who's gonna win it this year? Ben, I'm starting with you. Who you got?

[Sabrina Merchant]

Yeah, I mean, my pick for MVP is last year's mvp, and that would be Asia Wilson, who was the unanimous MVP a season ago, won her third MVP last year. And I Am saying will be the first player in WNBA history to win a fourth MVP award. And it starts with this. Do people forget about how good Asia Wilson is because they didn't make the Finals and because she didn't play in unrivaled. Like, I know that, you know, unrivaled was this amazing showcase where some of the world's best players put on a show and were present in our lives and we were watching them compete and Asia Wilson did not compete in that league. And so I think there's a little bit of just like recency bias is maybe the wrong word. But Asia Wilson just put up this historic season, like arguably the most dominant season in WNB history. She set a new single season scoring record. She set single season records for total points. She was the first ever player to cross the 1000 point mark. She set a single season WNBA record with total rebounds. She was the first player to lead the league in total points, rebounds and blocks. Like I remember last fall, Becky Hammond stress like, I don't want people to forget how good Asia Wilson is, is. And I do think we are kind of doing that heading into the season. So while I expect her to play maybe slightly fewer minutes this year in an effort to keep her health or keep her fresh rather for a postseason run, she's still like well positioned to be as good as ever. So Asia Wilson is my pick for that reason.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay, I feel you. I do not think anyone has forgotten the run that Asia Wilson has had, but I agree in the sense that, you know, it went from Asia to Brianna. I mean, Asia, Asia, Asia. I feel like, I don't know, it might need to switch up. I'm a wait. I'm a wait though. I'm going to go to Sabrina real quick and see what she thinks because we might be on the same page.

[Ben Pickman]

Yeah. So my preseason MVP pick is Nafeesa Collier, who was second last year, the reigning defensive player of the year, ended the season on a real high note other than obviously not winning the title. You know, she led the postseason in points, rebounds, steals, blocks, you know, a lot of big categories and just seems primed for another really big year, especially after ending 2024 and such heartbreak that usually motivates players to come out even stronger in the next season.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay, I agree with you, Sabrina. I'm also on the page of Nafeesa Collier and the main reason, you know, Ben, to go back to your point, this wasn't easy. I absolutely was like between Asia and Fee, I was thinking the two of them. But the main Reason I think Fee is because when you look at the talent around Asia versus the talent around Fee, I feel like Fee will accumulate more minutes, more touches, more opportunities to kind of elevate in terms of production that will put her on that MVP status in comparison to now Asia. You even mentioned it will play a little bit less minutes. Maybe we'll probably have a little bit less touches with Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Jewel Lloyd all around her. So it might. It might. It might even her play out just a little bit, while Nafisa Collier will still have that opportunity to be the superstar of the links. But, yeah, okay, we got Asia Fee and Fee for mvp. We shall see what happens.

[Ben Pickman]

I think voter fatigue is a real thing to consider here. You know, there hasn't been a repeat MVP in the WNBA since. I'm going back real far here. Maybe Cynthia Cooper at the top looking through again. Yeah, yeah. Asia Wilson has been all even years. No doubles for my.

[Sabrina Merchant]

That's correct. It has been since 1997.

[Ben Pickman]

1998.

[Sabrina Merchant]

So first years of the WNBA for a repeat MVP winner. So that's a good argument, certainly.

[Zena Kaeda]

So not recency bias, but maybe voter fatigue.

[Ben Pickman]

Voter fatigue, yeah.

[Zena Kaeda]

Yeah. Okay. I do.

[Sabrina Merchant]

I do think, though, like, to your point, Zena, I mean, look, the core argument, I think, is a good one and maybe a differentiator for some people, but history would say, like, Asia Wilson, pretty strong core last year. Stewie won MVP in 2023. Strong core. Then Wilson in 22, a strong core. So the. Like, playing with other great players, at least in the last couple years, has not been a disqualifier for people.

[Zena Kaeda]

Sure, Absolutely. Okay, so, well, let's. You just mentioned Stewie. I mean, that's the reigning champ, and she has lost pretty much almost anybody around her. Why have we put her in that conversation? Or even.

[Ben Pickman]

Well, I believe that Stewie is no longer the best player on the New York Liberty. I think that's Jonquil Jones. So it's hard for me to give SUY the MVP when Jonquil Jones was the Finals mvp. She was the Commissioner's Cup MVP when they won that title in 2023. So I think when the Liberty do well, it's because Jonquil Jones is being completely dominant on both ends of the floor. And for me, it's hard to. It's hard to sort of separate that. Right. Like, there's so much that they both do really well, but the fact that, like, they're at their best when I think JJ is at her best makes it hard for me to put Stewie in the same category as Asia and Afisa, who are like the real ceiling raisers for their teams.

[Zena Kaeda]

Now, Ben, you mentioned the fact that Asia didn't play. Of course, Caitlin Clark also did not play in Unrivaled. Fee did play in Unrivaled. Brianna Stewart did play in unrivaled. Do we wonder, do you guys have any sort of, like, influence of unrivaled or on what you think players might be able to translate from that into the wnba? Like, I'm not saying you do, but I'm just curious, like, does that influence you at all? It influences me a little bit because Phi looked laser focused coming out of the WNBA season going into unrivaled, and I feel like it's just going to be like a trajectory, like, she is just on a path to take over. But again, I didn't see Asia on the floor, and I can imagine if she was out there, she probably would have done the same thing. Does that impact you guys at all?

[Sabrina Merchant]

Yeah, it. It influenced me a little bit more for, like, my all WNBA teams and how I'm thinking about how some players look and we'll talk about that a little bit later. I would say, really, the influence actually in the MVP conversation coming out of unrivaled was that Brianna Stewart needed a meniscus surgery. Like a kind of cleanup was the phrase that was used in March after unrivaled finished. And she's kind of been eased into training camp and is really just getting to be a full go at the end of training camp here. And so I would expect New York to still be a little bit cautious about not wanting to push her. I mean, I saw her. I was at Liberty practice on Thursday afternoon. I mean, she shot around. She was basically doing a workout with Olaf Lang, one of the assistant coaches, for like, 30 minutes after practice ended. Just trying to, like, get up to speed physically and have like, one more kind of intense workout in before maybe a lighter day on Friday and a game on Saturday. And so for that reason, like, that's why, for me, she's not as much in the top two conversation right now. But of course, you know, Sabrina also makes a case for. For JJ Being right there.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay, all right, well, let's move on down the line then. Breakout team who's going to surprise us all this year. I'll start. I think there's a storm, a brewing Seattle storm. I think people are sleeping on Seattle. I think, you know, having way too much fun with this, you know, I know it's good. It's good, isn't it? It's good. Anyways. No, seriously, Skylar Diggins and Neca, like they were right there anyways last year. I mean of course they lost Jewel Lloyd, but they're now add a Dominique Malanga and Ezzy Magor was just killing it last year at the end of the season. So I really think that trio, I would say quartet can be really dangerous this year and I think they're going to gel even more and they're going to learn from their mistakes from last year and they're going to play better than people expect. Sabrina.

[Ben Pickman]

I mean, I hesitate to say Seattle was right there when they won zero playoff games, but I'll allow it. You know, I also do think that Seattle's going to be pretty good this year. I like their off season additions quite a bit. But my breakout team would be the Chicago Sky. I'm a little worried I'm over indexing on Chicago. I just every time somebody asks me who I think is going to surprise, I just get really excited about Courtney Vandersloot being back in Chicago and Angel Reese and Camilla Cardoso having a real point guard. But I think honestly it's that simple. Like a real point guard shooters around them. It's really not that difficult. When you want bigs to do well. You need spacing and you need a good playmaker and they added that. And even if I'm a little worried about what Chicago may have given up in terms of future assets, I think for this year the roster makes a lot of sense. Tyler Marsh is, you know, a really highly regarded player development coach. Coming from that bench in Las Vegas, he knows how to win. They brought in championship veterans like Courtney Vandersloot, like Ariel Atkins. So I like that roster a lot. I like the way it all comes together and I think that they're going to surprise some people this year too.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay. I mean I'm looking, you know, Chicago does have some pieces. They got a lot of turnover, a lot of new faces out in Chicago. So we'll have to see what that looks like.

[Ben Pickman]

Probably for the best. Honestly, there was a lot going on there that people did not like last year.

[Zena Kaeda]

That's true. That's very true. That's very true. Okay, Ben, who's your breakout pick?

[Sabrina Merchant]

I mean one, I just like that Sabrina, she simplifies basketball. She's saying if it's that simple, it's like nothing is ever that simple on the court.

[Ben Pickman]

But sometimes things don't have to be that complicated.

[Sabrina Merchant]

You're right.

[Zena Kaeda]

Don't we Wish. Don't we wish?

[Sabrina Merchant]

Yeah. I mean, for me, my breakout team, my sleeper team is the Atlanta Dream, who, you know, we're one of the busiest teams in free agency, adding Brittney Griner and Bree Jones. I mean, both Sabrina and I put Ryan Howard on our most intriguing player list when we did that podcast a couple weeks back. And it was because, like, we'll have to see, you know, what she brings in this all important year. I mean, I would expect the basketball to be in her hand more than maybe it's ever been. And with Jordan Canada missing some time, at least at the start of the season, we'll see how long she's out for because of that knee injury. Like, even more is going to be on Howard and Alicia Gray's shoulders. New coach Carl Smesko comes from Florida, Gulf Coast. They shot a ton of threes pretty much every year throughout his two decade tenure. I'm talking like more than 50% of their shots, I think, were three pointers. And so it's going to be really interesting just to, to see how, you know, he makes it all work. And I was down there at training camp last weekend just to get a little bit of a peek and certainly, like, there's a lot of high, low action going on between Bree Jones and Brittney Griner that I think is really interesting. BG opened both preseason games with three pointers. I don't think we've ever seen that before in the regular season. So, you know, Atlanta hasn't had a ton of postseason success over the last decade. And I'm just interested to see kind of what they do. Maybe they position themselves as a, as a top four seed after all.

[Zena Kaeda]

I like Atlanta. You know, watching their preseason games, I, you can tell Carl Smesco is there. The threes are going up. Okay. Everybody's shooting threes. And I also want to shout out really quickly Taylor Theory and Tahina Powpow, making the Atlanta roster incredibly difficult to do. Especially because this wasn't a, quote, rebuilding team. This was a legitimate team just trying to add some talent. And they both made it through to the 12 man roster, 12 woman roster. So shout out to them on that. Okay. We'll see how fast Atlanta plays. I just don't know. I, I, they got, they got some bigs. I, I want to see Rein Howard really take over, but I still, I'm still feeling my storm. I'm still feeling my storm. All right, let's keep it going. Over to the biggest question of them all. Title winner. Okay, we've been hinting at this. We've been asking these questions in our previews, trying to figure out who's going to take the crown from the New York Liberty, or will the Liberty just put more bobby pins in and ensure that it's nice and secure? Okay, so Ben, tell me, not only your title pick, but who are they going to win it over?

[Sabrina Merchant]

I first like to say, remember, this is what it's all for. People like the goal of the game is to win the championship. So that needs to be said. It will continue to be said said. It's why we talk about all the offseason moves. It's all to try and win. With that as the preface, I still have the New York Liberty defeating the Las Vegas aces in the 2025 WNBA Finals, which we should say is now a best of seven series for the first time in league history. And I guess my argument is two things. One, I think Natasha Cloud will do have a huge impact on the Liberty, just both in terms of what she brings defensively as an added playmaker and then energy just kind of changing up the vibe, keeping things fresh, you know, on a team that is looking to run it back. The other reason is that honestly, when I look at the other four contenders at the top of the league, they each still have pretty big questions. Like the Indiana Fever have five returning players and they have a lot of players who are coming in for the very first time and a new coach. And will it all gel together in year one of this kind of new era? I'm not really sure. The Las Vegas Aces, they have a ton of talent on their team just like last year, but I still think they have a depth question that did them in towards the end of last season and I don't think they really resolved that over the off season. The Minnesota Links a certainly reasonable choice currently at the start of this season, Kayla McBride is not with the team for personal reasons. And I wonder, you know, did Minnesota kind of catch lightning in a bottle with their team gelling perfectly in this season to come so close and are they capable of kind of replicating it even with some changes and now expectations suddenly on their shoulder? So those are three questions I have about three other teams. New York, I guess. Like I don't think anyone has passed them or solidified themselves to be above them. So for that reason it had been a long time since teams repeated before the Aces did it just a couple of years ago, but I think New York ends up repeating come October.

[Zena Kaeda]

Well then I like the breakdown. I like the assessment of the other competitors, Sabrina, question is, do you agree? Who do you got in the title game and who do you have taken at all?

[Ben Pickman]

Yeah, I mean, the way Ben phrased it, it's like there's no questions about the Liberty, which seems unreasonable. I mean, this is a team that like, barely won the title last year, eked it out, you know, in five games on their own court. They lost Kayla Thornton during the offseason, but Ijul Laney Hamilton will not be playing this season. I think their wing depth is something really that's worse than it was last year. You know, Natasha Cloud is a much different player than Lany Hamilton and Thornton. Leo Fevich, I think, is more of a perimeter defender than interior defender the way that, you know, those two could take on post assignment. So, like, their. Their forward room is a little bit weaker than it was last year, and that concerns me a little bit. You know, just looking ahead to their title defense. That being said, I was much more confident in Minnesota before Kayla McBride did not show up during preseason and is not available to play on opening night. And the good thing is, is that this is a 44 game season and presumably she will be ready at some point because she was awesome last season. She was, you know, one of my votes for first team all wnba. Even though making that team, she looked great during unrivaled. Courtney Williams looked great. Alanda Smith was awesome last season. I think Minnesota wasn't so much lightning in a bottle last year as it was. Oh, these players just needed to be in the right system for them and they're all back in that system. And even though they're not together to start the year, I think the continuity will be a lot easier to develop because of what they went through in 2024. So the Lynx still my title pick. I think, like I said with Nafisa Collier, that revenge factor is really important. It's very motivating to teams when you've gone through what they did during the 2024 playoffs, to be able to come back, you know, with that chip on your shoulder, I think is what we're going to see from Minnesota. And I have them beating Indiana in the finals because it's a cycle. You know, Indiana's got to go through the pain before they can win the next year.

[Zena Kaeda]

Excuse me. Okay. Beating Indiana, that says something there. Okay, well, I will say this as a person that was sitting in the media room as Shell Reeve is going off about that final call in the Minnesota Links New York Liberty final that went five games and came down to some. Some serious last minute plays.

[Ben Pickman]

Overtime, actually, in game five.

[Zena Kaeda]

Overtime, Right, in game five overtime, exactly. But last second plays as well. And seeing Nafeesa Collier and Caleb McBride clearly be upset and tears, red eyes, like not tears running down their face, but just clearly having expressed that emotion back in the locker room, that is what's motivating me to say the Lynx are gonna take it all. Just they wanted it and they were so close and the revenge factor is one thing, but the we deserved it. Like we were right there and we feel as if it was stolen from us. I feel like they are going to do everything in their power, especially Nafeesa Collier, to ensure that there's not even the window of stealing anything in this upcoming season. And I think that it's gonna be the Lynx over the Aces. I feel like the Aces are going to try and find their way back to the Finals. They're gonna have some nude life. There's stuff going on in the front office that's brand new, but there's got new life and Jewel Lloyd on the floor. I think they've got to redeem themselves a little bit, especially on behalf of Asia Wilson and the historic run she had last year. They made nothing happen with that, so I feel like they're going to make something happen this year and it's going to be tight, but I think the Lynx are going to take it over the Aces. Now I'm looking at the Liberty pick. Ben, do you have any concepts of like, maybe the complacency bug hitting the Liberty at all?

[Sabrina Merchant]

I think Cloud helps with the to minimize the complacency. And I think, you know, Rebecca Gardner, another player who's going to play big minutes in the rotation, helps with the complacency too. I think the questions Sabrina raised about wing depth are super fair, but I do think, you know, again, there's enough energy changes and there's a, you know, some changes on the coaching staff. They're going to play a little bit different offensively. I think there's enough change to provide some new life in this group.

[Zena Kaeda]

Good news is it's going to be fun, whatever happens. But yes, I'm very excited for whatever ends up at the very end of the season. Last year was so much fun covering the finals with you guys and finally getting to see that competition up front. So now 2025, right before the CBAs, all these different teams, it's gonna be a lot of fun. All right, let's keep it going. We gotta get to the All WNBA team predictions 21 year old Flaw J. Johnson has built an impressive career, making strides on the basketball court and the rap scene. A national champion and rising music star, she embodies the passion and determination required to excel in both worlds. But flaujay's success hasn't come without challenges. The financial services industry has often overlooked the needs of women, leaving many feeling misunderstood or treated differently by financial professionals. For flaujay, this reality strengthened her resolve to take control of her financial future. Just as Flauje trains for success on the court, she understands the importance of preparation when it comes to her finances. MassMutual, a leader in helping people create a strong financial future, understands the unique financial challenges that women face. That's why they offer tools and personalized help so that women like Flauje can confidently plan and protect their financial futures, all with the goal of creating better financial outcomes for women everywhere. Visit massmutual.com stayready to learn more.

[Hannah Berner]

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[Sabrina Merchant]

Which is why we're so excited to.

[Ben Pickman]

Tell y' all about the new Lamellar.

[Sabrina Merchant]

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[Hannah Berner]

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[Zena Kaeda]

The Internet's red carpet. It's Vrbo's 2025 vacation rentals of the year, selected from over 2 million private vacation rentals. This year's list features the best of vrbo and with weekly discounts on select stays, they might be more affordable than you think. See the [e-mail] and make it a VRBO. Now we have a piece up on the site with our consensus picks. Okay, we all individually voted on the first team and the second team and someone else, not us came together, put all of our votes together, aggregated them and created the first team and second team. And I will read them now. First Team Asia Wilson, Nafeesa Collier, Caitlin Clark, Brianna Stewart and Alyssa Thomas. In that order. Second Team Sabrina Ionescu, Satou Sabili, Jonquill Jones, Kelsey Plumb, Arike Ngubawale. In that order. But like I said, this was the consensus. These were the players who had the most votes. We voted separately, along with some of Our other women's basketball colleagues and we had some differences. So first and foremost, before we get into our individual picks, Ben, what's your reaction to our consensus? How do we do?

[Sabrina Merchant]

Well, my reaction is it was boring. I mean, our first team, just for reference, obviously five great players, but it was the exact same as the five players who were the top five in MVP voting last year and were first team all WNBA a season ago.

[Ben Pickman]

Are we hilarious that the guy who said that's boring picked the same MVP and the same champion this year.

[Sabrina Merchant]

That's a very fair point, Sabrina. That is a very fair point of which I do not have a comeback. But my all wt is what we're talking about now and it looks pretty different. Look, I just think like from one season to the next, especially on an individual player and voting basis, there's usually a little bit of difference. And so when I saw that reaction, especially on the first team, like I had again, the mixed feelings about who was up there. I mean, I will say for full transparency, my first team was four of those five players. It was Asia Wilson. It was Nafisa Collier. It was Caitlin Clark and Brianna Stewart. My fifth guard was. My fifth player was Chelsea Gray, who to your question, Xena, about players who had great unrivaled seasons and now are coming into the WNBA like she looked great at unrivaled, won the championship on unrivaled and I think, you know, has a resurgent first team allw season this year. My second team was Sabrina Unescu, Kelsey Plum, who I think is going to have a big year with the Sparks, Alyssa Thomas, new role, new team. Ryan Howard and Neko Gumake. So a bunch of difference on that second team from, from what we had. And again, I think like I'm just interested to hear how you guys voted and we can maybe talk out some of the differences that explain like why we had some names or why I had some names and why you had some names and why our second consensus team, which we should say includes Chantelle Jennings and our editor Shannon Ryan, looks different from our individual teams.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay, I like this we got to talk about. I already see some differences for sure in our first and second team. But Sabrina, I'll let you go next. What were your thoughts on where we ended and what were some of the ones that were different from yours?

[Ben Pickman]

So I just, you know, in terms of voting, when I go old w, I don't like to pick just the five best players. I like to pick playable teams. So you think about the team that we have as our consensus first team. And there's four power forwards essentially on it.

[Zena Kaeda]

A, a, a Alyssa can play guard.

[Sabrina Merchant]

So she's going to need to. Need to play guard, we should say.

[Ben Pickman]

That's just not the way I vote. You know, I had, I had two guard. You know, I try to think of like, multiple positions, you know, like, in terms of voting for these teams, but also like, like what Ben said. You know, I had Neko Gumike on my second team. I had Jackie Young on my second team. So those are pretty much my biggest differences. I'm probably the reason that SATU is on the second team because I had her on my first team, but.

[Zena Kaeda]

Oh, yeah, okay.

[Ben Pickman]

You know, I like to put together teams where guards get a little bit more love than they tend to do in the all WNBA voting. I mean, we're two years removed from five power forwards on the all WNBA first team, so I like to give some perimeter love every now and then, you know, I know, Zena, you're here for the big girls, but I am. This is my way of balancing.

[Zena Kaeda]

Listen, I got no problem with the big girls being on the first team. My team was four big girls and a guard. Nafeesa Collier, Asia Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Brianna Stewart, Jonquill Jones was my first team. My second team was Arike Ngubwale, Alyssa Thomas, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, and Ryan Howard. So I feel like I had a lot of outliers in comparison to you guys. But I'm wondering, you know, looking at the fact that Ben, even you said this was quote unquote, boring.

[Sabrina Merchant]

Our first team, I should say our.

[Zena Kaeda]

First team is boring. Looking at our second team, is there anyone that you're like, mm, you, you shouldn't be here. Maybe not yet. Not. We haven't seen enough. But of course it's a prediction. So anyone seem overplaced or out of place here?

[Ben Pickman]

I do think it's interesting that we have three members of the Liberty and only one ace. I don't think there's that big of a difference between their talent level that we wouldn't have two and two, you know?

[Zena Kaeda]

Yeah.

[Ben Pickman]

And like, you know, for instance, like, obviously on my team, I had Jackie Young as my second ace. Ben had Chelsea Gray is his second ace. So maybe like, that separating of votes is what happened there. But like, for both Sabrina Nesu and John Quill Jones to make this team is kind of surprising to me because I don't think the Liberty big three is like that head and shoulders above the other big threes in wnba. So that kind of stood out to me.

[Zena Kaeda]

Now I'm wondering like okay, between the Satus Abali and Kelsey Plum, for example, Ben, you mentioned Alyssa Thomas. You put her on your second team because new face, new team. But Alyssa Thomas is also linking up with Satus Abili and so that made me feel like okay, like she's gonna do pretty well, she'll be fine. But the reason why I did not put Kelsey Plum in either one of mine, even though I do think she's definitely capable of being all wnba is because I feel like there's gonna be some growing pains in terms of her working out with these younger players. And yes, she has Dierka Hambia alongside her, but Dericka Hambia is I think an all role type of player. She's not necessarily a superstar like Assatu in terms of production. So I felt like Kelsey Plum may have been out of place from that regard and showing up in an all WNBA team level. But what were your thoughts on that guys?

[Sabrina Merchant]

I mean I had plumb pretty high because I think, you know, it's the opposite of what you're saying. Like yes she is transitioning to a new team but really so much of the offense is going to run through her and she's really going to have to play make and both score the basketball and find teammates. And I do think like her and Dierka Hamby have proven to have this chemistry and Hamby's an all star level player, multi time all star and I expect them to work and so like the usage that Plum is going to have and the amount that's going to be on her shoulders and if they want to succeed, she's going to need to play well. That to me that's you know, warrants a all WNBA second team at least preseason pick. Thomas to me is really interesting because you know she has been one of the three or four best players in the league for the last, you know, three or four seasons at least. But so much of that stems from her having the basketball in her hand and like having to do so so much, you know, having to shoulder that load and shoot those floaters ironically enough because she can't raise her shoulders very much. But I digress to say like I just wonder when she goes to Phoenix, like what does that role look like? And now there's two other legitimate star who are also going to handle the basketball. That again, the awards case that people made for Thomas is she has to do a ton and she is still going to have to do a lot with the Phoenix Mercury because of the depths of that roster. But I just, you know, I think she's going to have to do less and I think then as a result like the case to be made for her to be a first team player is just lessened because again her, her role is just slightly different and probably a little lesson than, than what it was with Connecticut.

[Zena Kaeda]

Yeah, I'm not gonna lie. I am fully walking back my Kelsey Plum statement after like thinking about like, yeah, I just said Derrick Hammy's like more of an all role player. I feel Derick is rebounding, she's setting screens, she's playing defense, she's doing everything as. And I felt as if she was like a mom really on the Sparks last year having to do a little bit of everything. But now thinking like no, De Erica was putting in the basket as well last year and in unrivaled and I can see those two really linking up to do some dirty work in the Sparks. Okay, I'm walking back my Kelsey, but I still feel the way about Alyssa. So I feel like we're on the same page there. At least now when we're looking at these two teams in our consensus. I'm shocked Ryan Howard didn't make it because I do feel like she's on like the four year jump. Like she's here. She is going to be a big time scorer. She's going to be a focal point in that offense in Atlanta. What was it for you guys that made you go, mm, she's intriguing. But not maybe for our all WNBA team.

[Ben Pickman]

So this is for me because Ben did vote Ryan Howard on the stage.

[Zena Kaeda]

Oh yes, that's right.

[Ben Pickman]

For Sabrina, it has been brought to my attention that I am something of a dream hater. And with Ryan Howard, what? You know, just shoot 40% from the field. First Ryan Howard, before I put you on old wnba, you know, like that's where I land.

[Zena Kaeda]

That's fair. Okay. That's pretty simple. That's pretty simple. Okay, I'll do another one. Caitlin Clark's on here made records last year. There's another sophomore that made records in her rookie season and that's Angel Reese. Why did Angel Reese not make any of our lists? And I can, I can go first. For me, I'm looking at Camila Cardoso and I feel like she has been cooking sloot the biggest of girls, but she has been cooking with Vandersloot and there's gonna be an interesting period of growth here for Angel Reese. We've saw, we saw it unrivaled her shot profile develop. She's shooting outside a little bit more, not just playing under the basket as much. You also saw her face up a lot more than she was in last year's season. However, there's more faces around too in terms of distributing the ball. Camilla, I mean, she lost a portion of the season last year, but as soon as she came in, she was immediately productive for Chicago. So I feel as if it will be not necessarily a battle between the two, but the load will be shared between the two in terms of production, which might dim Angel's individual shine to be able to be an all WNBA team. But what were your thoughts on why angel didn't make either way of your teams?

[Ben Pickman]

I mean, part of it is just like I said, I like to go positionally. So if I'm going to have four guards on these two teams, I only have room for six forwards and forward is a very deep position in the wnba. That's real. That's real. Angel Reese, however good she was as a rookie, she's not on the level of Asia Wilson if he's caught, or Brianna Stewart or John Gwell Jones or Willis Thomas or even Satyu Sable in my opinion yet. So that's not to say that I think she couldn't. I don't think that she could get into this conversation by the end of the year. I absolutely expect her to be in the All Star discussion yet again, but it's just, it's really, really deep.

[Zena Kaeda]

Really, it's real.

[Ben Pickman]

Yeah.

[Zena Kaeda]

What about you, Ben?

[Sabrina Merchant]

Yeah, I mean I think it's similar. Like I think she will again be in that All Star conversation if not make, you know, her second consecutive All Star team. But I do think there is still kind of a tier difference between the Alyssa Thomas who are getting MVP votes and the Brianna Stewarts as forwards than Angel Reese right now. And I think like, you know, Neca Gumake is someone who has just been a staple of all WNBA teams because of just how consistently productive she is. And there's enough questions for me about again Angel Reese adjusting to new head coach, new style, new teammates. I'm less high on Chicago in terms of, you know, being a top half of the league, you know, playoff contender I guess is Sabrina is like the questions about winning and individual performance kind of Docker, even though like I also have some questions about the Phoenix Mercury. But like to me Alyssa Thomas just right now is still a better player. So you know, she certainly could end up here. It wouldn't be totally shocking. She had a really good unrivaled season. But I do think, like, she is kind of in this next tier and we should say, like, there's probably a group of 10 players, like, who could really make a case to. To be in the all w. I would say second team conversation. I do think there's a little bit of a jump between like the first.

[Ben Pickman]

You know, five to be in this year's first team conversation.

[Sabrina Merchant]

Right, Exactly. But like that second team, like, there's a lot of cases you can make. I mean, Arike Gumbawale is on our consensus team. She didn't make my team. She didn't make your team. Sabrina, like, I think she's a great player. She might be the best scorer in the league and we've seen that in the all star game. But like, we'll see what, what it looks like with Paige Becker's next turn. A new coach, like, there's enough questions there for me too. So it's going to be really, really competitive. These award races are going to be very tight, especially if the league from 4 through say 10 is as competitive as a lot of people think heading into the season.

[Zena Kaeda]

I think we can leave it right there because you know what's also competitive? The athletic awards. The new McCrispy Strip is here. Dip approved by Ketchup Tangy barbecue Honey mustard, honey mustard, Sprite, McFlurry, Big Mac sauce, double dipped in buffalo and ranch More ranch and Creamy Chili McCrispy Strip Dip now at McDonald's.

[Hannah Berner]

If you're anything like us, you love attention. And my favorite way to get all eyes on me is with next level, shiny glossy hair.

[Sabrina Merchant]

Which is why we're so excited to tell y' all about the new Lamellar.

[Hannah Berner]

Gloss collection from the girlies at Tresemme and Gigglers. We've got you too, because Tresemme partnered with us to bring you 1-800-gloss, a special bonus episode of Giggly Squad where Hannah and I give advice on all things hair and giving gloss. Check out the episode and grab the Lamellar gloss collection today because I'm officially declaring this spring gloss season.

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[Zena Kaeda]

Now, I promise you all some fun predictions and we are not going to disappoint. These obviously are not voted on by the wnba. We made up some awards ourselves. And I'm very curious to hear what you guys are thinking about this, But I'm very curious to hear what all of you out there think about these as well. So the first, the athletic award is no off season, but the athletic most technical fouls. And remember, Diana Taurasi is no longer a player. So this is a wide open competition, folks. However, I do think there are some people that will make this a little bit tough to get into the battle for it. And my person, I'm gonna choose Skylar Diggins. Oh, damn it, Sabrina, are you on the same page with me?

[Ben Pickman]

You know what, I'm gonna switch because you went with Skylar. I'm gonna add some variety here. I'm gonna go with Natasha Cloud, who actually led the league in technicals last year.

[Zena Kaeda]

Good one. Good one. I like it. I like it. Ben, where you at? How you rounding this out?

[Sabrina Merchant]

I am going to go with Tierra McCowan of the Dallas Wings.

[Ben Pickman]

How did none of us go with Caitlin? She had a freaking de escalation committee last year.

[Sabrina Merchant]

I mean, look, here's my logic. Is Chair McCown actually tied with Natasha Cloud last year for technical fouls called. She was second, I guess first among. Tied for first among players in 2023. She was actually tied for first among players in 2021. That's enough data for me to go with Tierra McCowan as the technical foul leader by the end of the season. We'll see what happens though. New head coach.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay, next up, best social media presence. That's easy. It's Angel. Reese.

[Ben Pickman]

Oh, I was thinking team wise, I really like what Seattle has been doing over the course of this training.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay, you're absolutely right, guys. The committee has to rethink. We're talking team wise. I was thinking player. Well, it is player. If we were giving out by player, it's angel race.

[Ben Pickman]

If it's player, it's Sidney Coulson on the funniest person on social media.

[Zena Kaeda]

On X. Absolutely on X. You're right. But overall, I'm thinking it's Angel. Now, team wise, I would say it might be Seattle. Ben, who are you thinking?

[Sabrina Merchant]

Well, I was going to answer this by saying what is the favorite piece of content or funniest piece of content that I have seen this preseason? And for me, it is also a Tierra McGowan reference. Not to bring her up again, but it was when the Dallas Wings did a video when everyone returned to Notre Dame that was like, where were you when Arike Kumbawale hit her historic shots in the NCAA tournament? And of course Notre Dame was playing Mississippi State. It was a game winner, one of them over Mississippi State. And so they asked here McCown the question and let's just say the loss from a few years back, very much still lingers in her mind. She was not having it. And I thought that was a great.

[Ben Pickman]

Year to forget about that.

[Zena Kaeda]

Hey, I respect it. True competitor at heart. Okay, last but not least, most surprising slash welcome celebrity appearance this season.

[Ben Pickman]

I really want to see Timothy Chalamet at a WNBA game. He has such great energy at Knicks games. I feel like if we could get him at the Liberty or, you know, Sparks. I'm sure he's in LA quite a bit since Kylie lives here in la, but I think he just have really good vibe, you know, he's so much fun to watch at Knicks games.

[Zena Kaeda]

I agree. I love, I love seeing just how locked in he is. He's trying to, he's trying to be on that Spike Lee level and I love it. Like, we need a next generation of that level of commitment. So it's really cool to see that. Um, I just feel as if we might get Beyonce. I just. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I just feel like she is on tour. She might finish it out, she might make a random pit stop. It might be Blue Ivy and Rumi, her daughters, that are like, hey, mom, like, we would love to go see a WNBA team. And of course, with the height that Blue Ivy has on her, it's worth considering. I know she's dancing on the tour, she's doing her thing. We are so proud of Blue Ivy. But you just never ever know. That would be the most welcoming one and the most surprising to me. Ben, what about you?

[Sabrina Merchant]

Honestly, guys, I don't really have a good answer here. I did some thinking. I'm gonna throw it back to you. Are there any second place choices that I should have consider. Considered or should be considering here?

[Zena Kaeda]

Oh, next for me. Easy. Anne Hathaway.

[Sabrina Merchant]

Good. Okay. Because that, that was actually going to be the answer, but it was going to be a cop out reported answer because I had heard some players say that they're trying to pitch her at the Met Gala. So at least we're on the same page there. Yeah, I think Brianna Stewart and Some of the Liberty were trying to sway her to come to a game. So there you go.

[Zena Kaeda]

Okay.

[Sabrina Merchant]

Yeah, I feel better.

[Zena Kaeda]

I feel better now. I'm bonding in. No, you're fine. That's good. We're on the same page. We're on the same page. Well, now we got to get on the same screen because we're closing this out with a new segment. We keep watching these new segments and I love it. Every day it's in a new game and a new segment. Okay. This is our first ever rendition. It's really not we've actually done this before. We just never had it presented by anyone. Set your screen folks. It's officially presented by Betting gm. So what are we watching this weekend? I'll tell you what I'm watching. The Valkyries take on the Sparks for the first time ever Valkyries regular season game. Of course they've played the Sparks before. It was a close game. It was an entertaining game. That is going to be a lot of fun to see how they rematch now that they have their 12 man roster. And of course seeing Kelsey Plum in action with her youngins around her is always going to be a good time. So very excited for the Valkyries and the Sparks as a result of them coming to Chase center to make some history. So that's going to be where I'm at. Sabrina, what you watching?

[Ben Pickman]

Yeah, so I'm in Dallas for the opening night of Dallas versus Minnesota. You know, two teams I obviously have a very close eye on this year, especially considering all the eggs I have in the Minnesota basket. But in terms of setting my screen, I'm with you. Like Valkyrie's first game in franchise history against the Sparks, I'm of the belief that it's going to be a very good California rivalry. So that's the one that I'll definitely be tuning in for.

[Zena Kaeda]

There you go girl. You know what's up. You know what's up. Ben, what you watching?

[Sabrina Merchant]

So I will be in Indianapolis this weekend to see the Indianap the Indiana Fever play the Chicago Sky. So can't set a screen there. Obviously people will be tuned in for the Aces and Liberty on Saturday afternoon. If I'm going to go with another game that hasn't been said. Seattle Storm at Phoenix Mercury at 10 o' clock Eastern at night on Saturday night. First and foremost, people should not forget about the West Coast. Let's start off the season on a high note. Watching west coast basketball, very important in understanding the league but also so I'm interested just to see what this new look, Mercury looks like, you know, first games without Diana Taurasi, without Brittney Griner, totally new era for the franchise. Bringing in Sabali, bringing in Thomas as we've talked about. And I'm just interested to see what Dominique Malanga looks like with the Seattle Storm and her debut and what the Storm looked like in kind of their first game too in the like post big three of Lloyd Bird and Stewart error. Like this is also a totally new chapter for them with Jewel having been traded to Seattle. So I think those are two interesting teams to keep an eye out on beginning this weekend.

[Zena Kaeda]

Boom. Full slate. WNBA is about to kick off. I am so, so excited. There has just been so much hype around this year and this season. All the new faces in new places, all the old faces in old places. This is going to be a lot of fun. I'm happy you guys are going to be on site. I cannot wait to break it all down. This coming Tuesday, we're going to take a close look at the first weekend of WNBA action. Can't wait for the takes. Let's see what updates we have to our predictions. We might have to make some quick updates like absolutely not is so and so making the first or second team. I'm just joking. But don't forget, guys, go send us your questions about this coming season. Of course, no off season theathletic.com or find us on social media. And if you haven't yet, you gotta hit that follow button. Okay? We want you to be a part of the no offseason family. All right? You gotta hit the follow button so you don't miss out or you're gonna miss dinner with the family. Don't do that. Be a part of us. And then also check us out on YouTube, drop us a comment, let us know what's up and you know, give us a rating. We're working hard over here. Give us a rating. They might. They might. I don't know. Does it sound like I'm begging? Okay, let me stop begging. Just give us a rating. It helps us, helps new people find the show, folks. And as always, there's more to read and watch over our partner, the Yahoo. Sports hub. So go check it out. Sports yahoo.com women-sports on behalf of the Athletic, I'm Zena Keda. Thanks for listening. We will see you next time. No Off Season is hosted by Zena Keda with Chantelle Jennings, Sabrina Merchant and Beth Pigman. It's produced by Tanika Perot. Our executive producers are Andrea B. Scott and Cassius Fleming. Our theme music is by Marcus Begala. Brenna Haupt is our video editor. Shannon Ryan is managing editor of Women's Basketball at the Athletic. Jesse Burton is our head of audio and Tim McMaster is our director of Audio operations. Preparation is everything, on the court and off, and a strong financial future starts with a solid plan. MassMutual provides tools to help women plan for stronger financial futures, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and to achieve their dreams. Whether that's learning the basics, managing debts, understanding the value of insurance, or building wealth, they're in your corner. The right team can help you get ready and stay ready. That's why MassMutual is committed to helping women confidently plan and protect their financial futures, all with the goal of creating better financial outcomes for women everywhere. Visit massmutual.com stay ready to learn more.

[Hannah Berner]

If you're anything like us, you love attention. And my favorite way to get all eyes on me is with next level Shiny glossy hair.

[Sabrina Merchant]

Which is why we're so excited to.

[Ben Pickman]

Tell y' all about the new Lamellar.

[Hannah Berner]

Gloss collection from the girlies at Tresemme and Gigglers. We've got you too, because Tresemme partnered with us to bring you 1-800-gloss, a special bonus episode of Giggly Squad, where Hannah and I give advice on all things hair and giving gloss. Check out the episode and grab the Lamellar Gloss collection today because I'm officially declaring this spring gloss season.

[Chantelle Jennings]

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