Podcast Summary: No Offseason – "Does the NBA Hurt the WNBA’s Profitability?"
Release Date: July 29, 2025

In this insightful episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman delve deep into the intricate relationship between the NBA and the WNBA, exploring whether the NBA’s involvement impedes the WNBA’s profitability. Featuring special guest Mike Vorkanoff, the discussion covers recent WNBA events, ownership dynamics, collective bargaining agreements (CBA), revenue sharing complexities, and the social aspects influencing the league's growth.

1. Recent WNBA Events and Team Performance

The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about the Los Angeles Sparks' impressive performance against the New York Liberty. Hosts recount the electrifying buzzer-beater by Rekia Jackson that secured a narrow victory for the Sparks.

• Chantel Jennings highlights the game's intensity, “Rekia Jackson hits a truly crazy wild trick shot almost to give the Sparks the edge over the Liberty 101-99 on their turf” ([04:00]).

• Ben Pickman commends the Sparks' offensive prowess, noting, “Kelsey Plum, Rekia Jackson, Derek Hamby, Azra Stevens, they were getting whatever they wanted on the offensive end” ([05:33]).

The conversation also touches on significant player injuries, particularly Brianna Stewart of the Liberty, who exited the game early with a lower leg injury. The hosts express concern over her recovery and the impact on the Liberty's chances in the postseason.

• Ben Pickman adds, “Stewie avoided significant injury. She is on the team's current road trip, but we will see how much time she misses” ([05:33]).

2. Expansion and Ownership Dynamics Between NBA and WNBA

Introducing Mike Vorkanoff, the discussion shifts to the symbiotic yet complex relationship between the NBA and the WNBA. The WNBA operates out of the NBA offices and shares ownership overlaps, which influences its operational dynamics.

• Mike Vorkanoff explains, “The WNBA operates out of the NBA offices in midtown Manhattan. They share some staff, they work together on projects” ([22:17]).

The hosts discuss the historical context of WNBA team ownership, highlighting the shift from NBA-owned franchises to more independent ownership groups like the Connecticut Sun.

• Ben Pickman remarks, “WNBA valuations have been pretty flat, but now there's money to be made with new media rights deals and sponsorships” ([28:58]).

3. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Revenue Sharing Challenges

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the upcoming CBA negotiations and the intricate challenges surrounding revenue sharing between the WNBA and its investors.

• Chantel Jennings raises a critical question, “Labor compensation, like player salaries, typically negotiated through collective bargaining and doesn't depend on who owns equity in the league. How is revenue being defined here?” ([38:37]).

• Mike Vorkanoff responds, “The CBA will need to address what counts as revenue. For example, how do we handle revenue from NBA-owned arenas? This is a complex issue” ([40:53]).

The discussion underscores the difficulty in determining a fair revenue share, especially with preferred investors receiving dividends before any player payouts.

• Chantel Jennings elaborates, “When you're at the bottom of the waterfall, who gets how much? Is it just a few drips and drabs?” ([31:13]).

4. Social Aspects and Player Representation

The hosts and Vorkanoff explore the social dynamics within the WNBA, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and representation among players.

• Chantel Jennings introduces the “bubble wrap theory,” suggesting that the WNBA has historically protected players' personal lives to avoid backlash, but recent initiatives aim to showcase their true selves. “The WNBA has learned, especially after that week of this past All Star weekend, it might be time to take the bubble wrap off” ([51:07]).

• Ben Pickman adds to the conversation, “Authenticity belongs to the players. Letting them be themselves is crucial in building a genuine connection with fans” ([51:37]).

The episode highlights how initiatives like "No Space for Hate" and behind-the-scenes streams have begun to peel back the protective layers, allowing fans to see the players' personalities and fostering a deeper connection.

5. Conclusions and Future Outlook

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the WNBA. While the influx of investment and increasing media attention present significant growth potential, the league grapples with ensuring profitability and equitable revenue distribution.

• Chantel Jennings emphasizes the importance of the upcoming CBA in shaping the league’s future, “Player salaries and revenue shares need to be negotiated in a way that reflects the league's growth and the players' value” ([52:16]).

• Ben Pickman concludes with optimism, “The WNBA is on an upward trajectory, but addressing these financial and structural challenges is essential for sustainable growth” ([42:38]).

No Offseason effectively navigates the multifaceted issues surrounding the WNBA's profitability in the shadow of the NBA's dominance. The episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of women's basketball, the financial intricacies involved, and the social dynamics that are reshaping the league.

Notable Quotes:

• “Rekia Jackson hits a truly crazy wild trick shot almost to give the Sparks the edge over the Liberty 101-99 on their turf.” – Chantel Jennings ([04:00])

• “Labor compensation, like player salaries, typically negotiated through collective bargaining and doesn't depend on who owns equity in the league. How is revenue being defined here?” – Chantel Jennings ([38:37])

• “The WNBA has learned, especially after that week of this past All Star weekend, it might be time to take the bubble wrap off.” – Chantel Jennings ([51:07])

• “Authenticity belongs to the players. Letting them be themselves is crucial in building a genuine connection with fans.” – Ben Pickman ([51:37])

This episode of No Offseason offers a deep dive into the economic and social factors influencing the WNBA, making it an essential listen for fans and stakeholders eager to understand the league's path forward.