No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show

Episode: Who’s Going No. 1? Our WNBA Mock Draft Prediction
Hosts: Zena Keita & Sabrina Merchant
Date: February 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the evolving WNBA off-season landscape—touching on CBA negotiations, the Unrivaled one-on-one tournament, Angel Reese’s return, and, most importantly, the 2026 WNBA Mock Draft. Hosts Zena Keita and Sabrina Merchant break down how international players, shifting league priorities, and expanding team rosters are impacting the draft board, providing in-depth analysis, lively banter, and insider perspectives on the sport’s hottest topics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the WNBA CBA Negotiations

[02:05-09:30]
The league and Players Association have been at a tense impasse.
Recent movement:
- League increased the salary cap from $5.55M to $5.65M.
- Adjustments to housing policy: Minimum-salary and rookie players (through 2028/zero years of service) remain eligible for team-sponsored housing.
- Proposal for two developmental player spots per team, eligible for team-sponsored studio apartments during the first three years of the CBA.
Transparency issue: Players are still seeking clearer delineation of revenue-sharing ("internal buckets"/expenses).
Potential of a strike remains, but hosts gauge the likelihood as low due to ongoing—if slow—negotiations.
Memorable quote:

“That’s why I’m calling them internal buckets. Okay? Because I have no idea what they actually are.” —Zena Keita (07:57)

Notable Moment

[05:53-06:16] Discovery that Brianna Stewart is co-hosting a podcast with NBA’s Myles Turner ("Game Recognized Game").
- “Wait, what? I am. Wow. Breaking news here, folks.” —Zena Keita

2. Angel Reese’s Return to the Rose Basketball Club

[09:30-14:55]
After sitting out to recover and focus on branding/business ventures, Reese rejoins Rose for a late season push (returns Feb. 20).
Contrary to rumors about lingering injuries, she participated fully in Team USA camp and various side projects (film, endorsements).
Key impact: Rose, last in rebounding (once a team strength), could benefit enormously from Reese’s signature frontcourt presence.
- “Rose could absolutely use her… it’s, you know, not cool that Rose is right now last in rebounding.” —Zena Keita (12:47)
- Reese’s return likely boosts Rose’s playoff hopes.

3. Unrivaled One-on-One Tournament & Standout Performances

[14:55-21:20]
Format shift: Position-based brackets improved competition and flow.
Highlights:
- Veronica Burton shut out Courtney Williams (15:21).
- Chelsea Gray staged a dramatic comeback vs. Natasha Cloud (17:14).
- Player movement and tantalizing matchups gave this year’s tournament elevated energy.
Fun Moments:
- Debate over player nicknames:
  
  “So so a terrible nickname for, like, a tournament when you’re, like, trying to be the best, right?” —Sabrina Merchant (18:14)

4. 2026 WNBA Mock Draft Deep Dive

[23:00-57:48]

Draft Process Uncertainty

Offseason remains murky: Free agency and the expansion draft may not be settled before the amateur draft (April 13 is a tentative date).

Top of the Draft: A Real Debate

This is the first year in several with no consensus No. 1 pick.
No. 1 pick favorite:
- Awafam (Spain, center, 19 yo)—hyper-athletic, explosive on screens, high defensive upside, some offensive rawness.
  
  “Right now, I think you just can’t pass up on the upside of a player like Awa.” —Sabrina Merchant (29:34)
- Dallas may debate the value of near-term project (Awafam) vs. plug-and-play (Azzi Fudd, who has proven synergy with Paige Bueckers).
International Player Dynamics:
- Growing willingness (and attractiveness) for international talent to join the W due to better pay and professionalization.
- GMs less concerned about “draft and stash” because of increased buy-in from European players.
Rules impact:
- Int’l eligibility: 20 years old (vs. 22 for NCAA). International prospects enter the league much younger.

Top 5 Mock Draft (as of February 2026):

[38:26+]
1. Awafam (Spain, C, 19) – Dallas Wings
2. Azzi Fudd (UConn, G) – Minnesota Lynx (via Chicago)
3. Olivia Miles (Notre Dame, PG) – Seattle Storm (via LA)
4. Lauren Betts (UCLA, C) – Washington Mystics
5. Flau’jae Johnson (LSU, G/W) – Chicago Sky (via Connecticut)
Azzi Fudd:
- Shooting lights out; health now less of a concern.
- “Her jumper just looks like it… You expect every shot to go in. Steph Curry has literally complimented Azzi Fudd to have one of the best forms he’s ever seen.” —Zena Keita (40:26)
Olivia Miles & Lauren Betts:
- Miles hailed as a “pure point guard extraordinaire.”
- Betts reuniting with college teammate in DC is a “fun storyline.”

International & 1st-Round Talent Pipeline

France and Spain continue to develop “WNBA-ready” prospects (ex: Nell Angloma—big, methodical, hard to stop getting to the rim).
Expansion to 15 teams means the definition, value, and pressure of a “first-round pick” is shifting.
Sabrina’s draft research:
- In typical classes, roughly half to two-thirds of 1st-rounders stick as rotation players.
- Late-firsts may be traded more regularly as a result.

Biggest Team Presence

UCLA could place up to five players in the first round, which would be historic.

Notable "Bubble" Players Discussion

Rory Harmon: “WNBA front offices are very wary of small guards… her jumper really doesn’t exist beyond the free-throw line.” —Sabrina Merchant (47:50)
Cody McMahon & Janiah Barker: Great motors and athletic profiles, but position/fit and consistency remain concerns.
Reagan Beers:
- “I’m not even sure Reagan Beers wants to play professional basketball… she’s just a little undersized for a center… I thoroughly enjoy watching Regan Beers. Just don’t think it’s gonna be a WNBA thing for her.” —Sabrina Merchant (57:06)

5. Setting Screens: Weekend Women’s Basketball Viewing Picks

[59:43–End]
Sabrina’s off to watch the Winter Olympics—speed skating, specifically, cheering for Brittany Bowe (“no offseason: college basketball to Olympic speed skating!”).
Zena recommends South Carolina vs. LSU (Saturday, 8:30pm EST, ESPN) and Michigan State vs. Michigan (Sunday, 4pm, Fox Sports) as top NCAA games.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On CBA Transparency:

“We’re still not getting the transparency that the players have been asking for in terms of the rev share component… that’s really the key portion of this.” —Zena Keita (07:07)
On the Unrivaled Tournament:

“I had so much more fun watching it this year than I did last year... everyone being like sized really helps.” —Sabrina Merchant (16:06)
On the Draft’s Uncertainty:

“Measure your expectations a little bit for 2026 because that is not normal.” —Sabrina Merchant (27:32)
On Angel Reese’s Impact:

“This is good for Angel… to have that front court presence to continue the development.” —Zena Keita (12:47)
On Mock Draft Research:

“An average draft would have anywhere between, like, half and two-thirds being rotation players... means I don’t know if they’re going to come, like, in the top five or, like, the bottom five.” —Sabrina Merchant (45:26)
On the Evolving Draft Class:

“We might hear way more conversations of teams tagging on first rounders… but yeah, it might be a little bit different if you think that you’re gonna land in that the later parts of the first round.” —Zena Keita (45:50)

Episode Timestamps: Important Segments

[02:05] — CBA state of play; “Proposal or no proposal” bit
[05:33] — Brianna Stewart’s podcast with Myles Turner revealed
[09:30] — Angel Reese’s return to Rose Basketball Club
[14:55] — Unrivaled 1-v-1 tournament recap
[23:00] — WNBA Mock Draft segment begins
[38:26] — Top 5 draft breakdown
[44:27] — Analysis of historical draft classes — how many first rounders pan out?
[47:50] — On Rory Harmon/small guards & why she isn’t a first-round lock
[49:34] — How rare UCLA’s projected draft class is
[59:43] — “Set your screens” — viewing picks for the coming weekend

Conclusion and Tone

The episode was a blend of deep-dive expert analysis and energetic, warm banter. Hosts Zena and Sabrina kept it playful and conversational, drawing on stats, insider info, and personal anecdotes to illuminate the stakes and uncertainties of the 2026 draft. The frank evaluations (“not my particular cup of tea”) and consistent shout-outs to women’s basketball’s growth positioned the pod as both accessible for newcomers and rewarding for die-hards.

Full mock draft and detailed player breakdowns available on The Athletic.
“No Offseason” drops new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show

Episode: Who’s Going No. 1? Our WNBA Mock Draft Prediction
Hosts: Zena Keita & Sabrina Merchant
Date: February 13, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the WNBA CBA Negotiations

[02:05-09:30]
The league and Players Association have been at a tense impasse.
Recent movement:
- League increased the salary cap from $5.55M to $5.65M.
- Adjustments to housing policy: Minimum-salary and rookie players (through 2028/zero years of service) remain eligible for team-sponsored housing.
- Proposal for two developmental player spots per team, eligible for team-sponsored studio apartments during the first three years of the CBA.
Transparency issue: Players are still seeking clearer delineation of revenue-sharing ("internal buckets"/expenses).
Potential of a strike remains, but hosts gauge the likelihood as low due to ongoing—if slow—negotiations.
Memorable quote:

“That’s why I’m calling them internal buckets. Okay? Because I have no idea what they actually are.” —Zena Keita (07:57)

Notable Moment

[05:53-06:16] Discovery that Brianna Stewart is co-hosting a podcast with NBA’s Myles Turner ("Game Recognized Game").
- “Wait, what? I am. Wow. Breaking news here, folks.” —Zena Keita

2. Angel Reese’s Return to the Rose Basketball Club

[09:30-14:55]
After sitting out to recover and focus on branding/business ventures, Reese rejoins Rose for a late season push (returns Feb. 20).
Contrary to rumors about lingering injuries, she participated fully in Team USA camp and various side projects (film, endorsements).
Key impact: Rose, last in rebounding (once a team strength), could benefit enormously from Reese’s signature frontcourt presence.
- “Rose could absolutely use her… it’s, you know, not cool that Rose is right now last in rebounding.” —Zena Keita (12:47)
- Reese’s return likely boosts Rose’s playoff hopes.

3. Unrivaled One-on-One Tournament & Standout Performances

[14:55-21:20]
Format shift: Position-based brackets improved competition and flow.
Highlights:
- Veronica Burton shut out Courtney Williams (15:21).
- Chelsea Gray staged a dramatic comeback vs. Natasha Cloud (17:14).
- Player movement and tantalizing matchups gave this year’s tournament elevated energy.
Fun Moments:
- Debate over player nicknames:
  
  “So so a terrible nickname for, like, a tournament when you’re, like, trying to be the best, right?” —Sabrina Merchant (18:14)

4. 2026 WNBA Mock Draft Deep Dive

[23:00-57:48]

Draft Process Uncertainty

Offseason remains murky: Free agency and the expansion draft may not be settled before the amateur draft (April 13 is a tentative date).

Top of the Draft: A Real Debate

This is the first year in several with no consensus No. 1 pick.
No. 1 pick favorite:
- Awafam (Spain, center, 19 yo)—hyper-athletic, explosive on screens, high defensive upside, some offensive rawness.
  
  “Right now, I think you just can’t pass up on the upside of a player like Awa.” —Sabrina Merchant (29:34)
- Dallas may debate the value of near-term project (Awafam) vs. plug-and-play (Azzi Fudd, who has proven synergy with Paige Bueckers).
International Player Dynamics:
- Growing willingness (and attractiveness) for international talent to join the W due to better pay and professionalization.
- GMs less concerned about “draft and stash” because of increased buy-in from European players.
Rules impact:
- Int’l eligibility: 20 years old (vs. 22 for NCAA). International prospects enter the league much younger.

Top 5 Mock Draft (as of February 2026):

[38:26+]
1. Awafam (Spain, C, 19) – Dallas Wings
2. Azzi Fudd (UConn, G) – Minnesota Lynx (via Chicago)
3. Olivia Miles (Notre Dame, PG) – Seattle Storm (via LA)
4. Lauren Betts (UCLA, C) – Washington Mystics
5. Flau’jae Johnson (LSU, G/W) – Chicago Sky (via Connecticut)
Azzi Fudd:
- Shooting lights out; health now less of a concern.
- “Her jumper just looks like it… You expect every shot to go in. Steph Curry has literally complimented Azzi Fudd to have one of the best forms he’s ever seen.” —Zena Keita (40:26)
Olivia Miles & Lauren Betts:
- Miles hailed as a “pure point guard extraordinaire.”
- Betts reuniting with college teammate in DC is a “fun storyline.”

International & 1st-Round Talent Pipeline

France and Spain continue to develop “WNBA-ready” prospects (ex: Nell Angloma—big, methodical, hard to stop getting to the rim).
Expansion to 15 teams means the definition, value, and pressure of a “first-round pick” is shifting.
Sabrina’s draft research:
- In typical classes, roughly half to two-thirds of 1st-rounders stick as rotation players.
- Late-firsts may be traded more regularly as a result.

Biggest Team Presence

UCLA could place up to five players in the first round, which would be historic.

Notable "Bubble" Players Discussion

Rory Harmon: “WNBA front offices are very wary of small guards… her jumper really doesn’t exist beyond the free-throw line.” —Sabrina Merchant (47:50)
Cody McMahon & Janiah Barker: Great motors and athletic profiles, but position/fit and consistency remain concerns.
Reagan Beers:
- “I’m not even sure Reagan Beers wants to play professional basketball… she’s just a little undersized for a center… I thoroughly enjoy watching Regan Beers. Just don’t think it’s gonna be a WNBA thing for her.” —Sabrina Merchant (57:06)

5. Setting Screens: Weekend Women’s Basketball Viewing Picks

[59:43–End]
Sabrina’s off to watch the Winter Olympics—speed skating, specifically, cheering for Brittany Bowe (“no offseason: college basketball to Olympic speed skating!”).
Zena recommends South Carolina vs. LSU (Saturday, 8:30pm EST, ESPN) and Michigan State vs. Michigan (Sunday, 4pm, Fox Sports) as top NCAA games.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On CBA Transparency:

“We’re still not getting the transparency that the players have been asking for in terms of the rev share component… that’s really the key portion of this.” —Zena Keita (07:07)
On the Unrivaled Tournament:

“I had so much more fun watching it this year than I did last year... everyone being like sized really helps.” —Sabrina Merchant (16:06)
On the Draft’s Uncertainty:

“Measure your expectations a little bit for 2026 because that is not normal.” —Sabrina Merchant (27:32)
On Angel Reese’s Impact:

“This is good for Angel… to have that front court presence to continue the development.” —Zena Keita (12:47)
On Mock Draft Research:

“An average draft would have anywhere between, like, half and two-thirds being rotation players... means I don’t know if they’re going to come, like, in the top five or, like, the bottom five.” —Sabrina Merchant (45:26)
On the Evolving Draft Class:

“We might hear way more conversations of teams tagging on first rounders… but yeah, it might be a little bit different if you think that you’re gonna land in that the later parts of the first round.” —Zena Keita (45:50)

Episode Timestamps: Important Segments

[02:05] — CBA state of play; “Proposal or no proposal” bit
[05:33] — Brianna Stewart’s podcast with Myles Turner revealed
[09:30] — Angel Reese’s return to Rose Basketball Club
[14:55] — Unrivaled 1-v-1 tournament recap
[23:00] — WNBA Mock Draft segment begins
[38:26] — Top 5 draft breakdown
[44:27] — Analysis of historical draft classes — how many first rounders pan out?
[47:50] — On Rory Harmon/small guards & why she isn’t a first-round lock
[49:34] — How rare UCLA’s projected draft class is
[59:43] — “Set your screens” — viewing picks for the coming weekend

Conclusion and Tone

Full mock draft and detailed player breakdowns available on The Athletic.
“No Offseason” drops new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Who’s Going No. 1? Our WNBA Mock Draft Prediction

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Summary

No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the WNBA CBA Negotiations

Notable Moment

2. Angel Reese’s Return to the Rose Basketball Club

3. Unrivaled One-on-One Tournament & Standout Performances

4. 2026 WNBA Mock Draft Deep Dive

Draft Process Uncertainty

Top of the Draft: A Real Debate

Top 5 Mock Draft (as of February 2026):

International & 1st-Round Talent Pipeline

Biggest Team Presence

Notable "Bubble" Players Discussion

5. Setting Screens: Weekend Women’s Basketball Viewing Picks

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Episode Timestamps: Important Segments

Conclusion and Tone

Summary

No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the WNBA CBA Negotiations

Notable Moment

2. Angel Reese’s Return to the Rose Basketball Club

3. Unrivaled One-on-One Tournament & Standout Performances

4. 2026 WNBA Mock Draft Deep Dive

Draft Process Uncertainty

Top of the Draft: A Real Debate

Top 5 Mock Draft (as of February 2026):

International & 1st-Round Talent Pipeline

Biggest Team Presence

Notable "Bubble" Players Discussion

5. Setting Screens: Weekend Women’s Basketball Viewing Picks

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Episode Timestamps: Important Segments

Conclusion and Tone