Podcast Summary: No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show

Episode: “Is Unrivaled’s Hype Wearing Off in Season 2?”
Date: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Zena Keita, Sabrina Merchant, Ben Pickman

Episode Overview

This episode examines the second season of Unrivaled, the innovative women’s pro basketball offseason league, focusing on whether its initial hype is dropping off, analyzing attendance, TV ratings, and the evolving off-court business of women’s basketball. The team also covers major news in the women’s basketball world, including the launch of Project B's international schedule, notable athlete career moves into pop culture, updates on the WNBA's CBA status, and Ben Pickman’s bittersweet departure as co-host.

Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Women’s Basketball Stars Expand into Entertainment

• Timestamps: 02:35–08:35

• The hosts discuss Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson’s voice roles in the upcoming animated movie “Goat” and reminisce about the longstanding tradition of WNBA players making TV and film cameos since the league’s inception.

  • Ben: “It speaks to the cultural crossover... this is a movie loaded with stars... it just speaks to the reach that so many players have.” (04:19)
  • Fun speculation about ideal WNBA players as animated characters.
  • Steven Curry’s production company is behind “Goat,” showcasing NBA–WNBA collaboration.

• Actress and WNBA point guard Courtney Vandersloot’s TV cameo in Chicago Med (NBC), highlighting a growing media trend as WNBA lands on NBC.

• Sabrina points out Skylar Diggins’ attendance at the Golden Globes, noting her Saratoga Water brand partnership (09:34–10:02).

2. WNBA CBA Update: Free Agency Moratorium

• Timestamps: 10:21–13:09
• Sabrina provides an explainer of the current WNBA labor landscape:
  • The prior CBA extension expired; the league is in a moratorium where normal business (including free agency) is paused until a new agreement is reached.
  • The players association is launching new “player hubs” in the U.S. and Spain for off-season training.
  • “No free agency until a new CBA, which is as we all expected... now formalized.” — Sabrina (11:42)
  • Both hosts note how the process aims to avoid confusion as negotiations continue.

3. Project B International League Launch

• Timestamps: 16:00–22:56

• Project B, a new, globally barnstorming women’s league, announces Tokyo as its first international stop, featuring Japanese star Mae Yamamoto (16:19–17:51).

  • Discussion of Project B’s unique format (two-week “mini-tournaments” on different continents) and the contrast with Unrivaled.
  • “Barnstorming” gets a new meaning as the league adopts a truly global strategy.
  • The league is targeting 66 players, combining U.S. stars and global talent (18:27–19:42).

• Competition or Complement?

  • Sabrina: Unrivaled and Project B are “serving two very different goals.” (20:37–22:56)
  • Unrivaled keeps players “stateside and in the national consciousness” during the WNBA off-season; Project B appeals to a global audience with full 5-on-5 play.
  • Key question: Will overlapping schedules force players to choose between domestic and international opportunities?

  “If you need players to report to camp in March, can’t really do that if they’re playing in Tokyo.” — Sabrina (24:16)

4. Unrivaled Season 2: Hype vs. Reality

• Timestamps: 24:16–35:27

TV Ratings & Growth Metrics

• Viewership dropped from 221,000 in Year 1 to 175,000 in Year 2 (linear TV). HBO Max streaming numbers are unreported.

• Factors impacting ratings:

  • Season 2 launched on a Monday vs. a Friday in year 1.
  • Competition with NFL Playoffs and less NBA cross-promotion (since the NBA’s TV rights moved to NBC/Amazon).
  • General trend: "A debut is so much easier... the second season is always harder." — Sabrina (25:31)
  • Media deal security: Warner has a 6-year deal but with a Year 3 opt-out (27:30).

• Positive Business Indicators:

  • Social impressions up 27% YoY; merchandise sales up 54%; ticket revenue up 40% (30:03–30:30).

Roster Turnover & Continuity

• Only the Rose (Chelsea Gray’s team) and Vinyl retain most of their lineup; other teams shuffled with expansion.
  • “It’s hard to latch on... when I watched the Laces last year, now there’s no KMac...it just looks very different." — Sabrina (33:09)
• Roster instability may affect fan investment and team chemistry, but continuity is growing more visible in year two.

On-Court Analysis

• Teams standing out for quick chemistry: Rose, Vinyl, Mist, Breeze.
• Teams struggling: Hive (mostly new to 3x3), Lunar Owls (lost stars and missing Skylar Diggins).
• Young talent shines for the Breeze: “Breeze... very young, but they clearly want to win these games.” — Sabrina (36:00)
• Notable duos: Paige Bueckers/Rekia Jackson and Alicia Gray/Breanna Stewart.

5. Unrivaled to WNBA: Player Development Insights

• Timestamps: 44:34–48:40
• Rekia Jackson’s growing defensive impact likely crucial for Sparks’ future.
• Dom Malanga’s increased responsibility as a lead pick-and-roll player is a major storyline ahead of her expected WNBA role.
• Veronica Burton’s evolving play as both organizer and defender is seen as a boon after her previous WNBA “most improved” season.

Off-Court Brand Expansion

• Players like Arie McDonald and Rachel Banham are building podcasts, reflecting the league’s focus on holistic, year-round visibility and career development.

6. Season Two: Final Takes and Free Throw Competition

• Timestamps: 48:40–51:13
• Rose (Chelsea Gray & co.) identified as a powerhouse, with strong continuity and early dominance.
• Paige Bueckers is leading the free throw challenge: “Paige is your current leader in the clubhouse. Eight for eight.” — Sabrina (49:58)

Standout Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On WBB in pop culture:

  “When the WNBA first started, [cameos] were its bread and butter... Like, how many sitcoms had Lisa Leslie, Cheryl Swoopes, Dawn Staley just walk in?"
  — Zena (03:48)

• On TV ratings reality:

  “Who watches TV on cable anymore? But it’s still a big revenue source for sports leagues.”
  — Sabrina (27:30)

• On Project B’s barnstorming:

  “Project B is kind of redefining the term barnstorming by a huge metropolitan storming all around the world.”
  — Zena (18:05)

• Ben’s send-off:

  “Building this show... has been a true professional highlight... the ethos and energy of this show is exactly how we talk offline.”
  — Ben (57:48–60:28)

Sentimental Finale: Ben Pickman’s Farewell

• Timestamps: 52:16–63:57

• Ben is moving to a new professional adventure after being an essential voice and co-creator on No Offseason. Sabrina and Zena reflect on their partnership, the behind-the-scenes laughs, and Ben’s influence as a journalist and friend.
  • Sabrina: “You are the best mind in women’s basketball media by far.” (60:29)
• Listeners are reassured the show will go on and Chantel Jennings returns from parental leave, ensuring continued insider coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Unrivaled is facing natural growing pains in its second year but remains a vibrant, innovative offseason product with evolving business and media strategies.
• The global expansion of women’s basketball (Project B, media cameos, brand building) is accelerating, offering more paths for athlete career and audience growth.
• Labor and scheduling battles (CBA, Project B dates) will continue to shape players’ choices and league structures.
• The future of women’s pro hoops is bright, competitive, and increasingly dynamic on and off the court—and the No Offseason team is devoted to tracking every story.

Next episode drops Wednesday!
Hosts: Zena Keita, Sabrina Merchant (with Chantel Jennings returning). Ben Pickman signs off with gratitude and will remain a friendly presence in women’s basketball media.

For more: sports.yahoo.com/womenssports
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