No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The WNBA CBA negotiations are still ongoing, with no deal reached yet. Zena and Chantel break down the latest developments in the talks before diving into the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament and the dynamics of the current Team USA roster. Then, our resident bracketologist Eden Laase joins to dig into the biggest bracket storylines — from the battle between UConn and UCLA for the overall No. 1 seed to the bubble drama surrounding Colorado and Clemson. They unpack how conference tournament results are shaking up the field, what it means for teams fighting to get in, and why programs like USC and Tennessee could slip a bit lower than expected in the seeding.REFERENCES: Overnight WNBA, players’ union talks fail to result in collective bargaining agreement: Reports by Sabreena MerchantWNBA proposes higher salary cap in latest CBA offer, but still no deal by Chantel JenningsCaitlin Clark shines with double-double in dominant Team USA victory by Sabreena MerchantWomen’s NCAA Tournament Bubble Watch: Will Clemson, Iowa State, Virginia make the field? By Eden LaaseCatch us live this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT / 9:30 PM ET on YouTube  for our bracket reactions!__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Offseason is expanding to three episodes a week with the addition of new co-host former WNBA star Layshia Clarendon. Find us Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays wherever you get your podcasts.__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

USA Women’s Basketball tips off Wednesday in Puerto Rico. Zena, Chantel and Sabreena dive into how Team USA is preparing for the World Cup, plus the return of Caitlin Clark to game action. They also break down the latest in the CBA talks as the drop-deadline approaches.From there, they share their conference tournament takeaways from around the association—debating whether UCLA has done enough for the overall No. 1 seed, if West Virginia improved its seeding, and which mid-majors caught their attention this weekend, plus more.We wrap things up with Two Takes and A FakeREFERENCES: Caitlin Clark preparing for Team USA debut, feels ‘even better’ than start of last season by Chantel JenningsWomen’s conference tournament takeaways: Texas takes down South Carolina by Chantel Jennings,  Cameron Teague Robinson, Sabreena Merchant and Grace RaynorWomen’s basketball power rankings: If LSU can’t beat South Carolina, is it a tournament threat? by Sabreena MerchantCheck out Zena’s exclusive interview with WNBA star Napheesa Collier here!__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WNBA superstar Napheesa Collier joins Zena Keita to talk about how Unrivaled is giving players the ultimate power move: options. She also shares her thoughts on the WNBA’s CBA negotiations and more.REFERENCES: Check out the full episode on YouTube: The Athletic Show __No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBPA issued a statement emphasizing unity among players as negotiations continue with the league on a new CBA. Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena discuss the implications of the statement and where the players’ union and the league stand ahead of the drop-dead deadline. They also recap the Unrivaled championship, highlighting standout performances and the league’s continued growth.From there, they share their predictions for the major national awards in college basketball, including Coach of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Player of the Year. They begin by breaking down Shea Ralph’s impressive coaching success at Vanderbilt and why it makes her a strong Coach of the Year candidate. From there, they spotlight some of the most impactful freshmen across the sport before wrapping up with a debate over their Player of the Year selections, weighing each candidate’s stats and influence on their team’s success.Finally, we wrap things up with a question from the mailbag.REFERENCES: WNBA player union emphasizes unity as fissures exposed in CBA negotiations by Sabreena MerchantBreanna Stewart outduels Kelsey Plum as Mist claim Unrivaled championship by Sabreena Merchant UConn's Sarah Strong: The Athletic's women's basketball Player of the Year by Chantel JenningsVanderbilt’s Shea Ralph earns The Athletic’s women’s basketball Coach of the Year  by Chantel JenningsThe Athletic’s women’s college basketball All-America team by Sabreena Merchant, Chantel Jennings, Zena Keita and Eden LaaseCheck out The Athletic Show on March 8th for an exclusive interview with Napheesa Collier__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena look ahead around the association, beginning their conversation with Rutgers parting ways with head coach Coquese Washington and highlighting the growing pressure to win in women’s college basketball. From there, they dive into the Sabreena Scale, focusing on some of the tight matchups from the weekend.Next, the crew break down predictions and insights for women’s college basketball conference tournaments, including the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Big 12, and key mid-major conferences. They discuss team performances, potential upsets, and standout players, offering a comprehensive look at what the tournaments mean heading into the NCAA Tournament.To close things out, we play one of our recurring favorites: Something in Common.REFERENCES: Women's basketball power rankings: Vanderbilt, Texas will fight for No. 1 seed in SEC tourney by Sabreena MerchantTexas jumps to No. 4 as last year’s Final Four lead updated NCAA top-16 rankings by Chantel JenningsUConn completes 11th unbeaten regular season with rout of St. John’s by Chantel Jennings__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA is trying to create a sense of urgency with the March 10th deadline. Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena break down what’s at stake and discuss the implications if the league and the players’ union are — or aren’t — able to reach a handshake agreement in time.Next, Chantel and Sabreena welcome Project B’s Chief Basketball Officer and WNBA Hall of Famer Alana Beard to discuss the league’s launch and its mission to fill a gap in women’s basketball. Beard also reflects on her overseas playing career, her transition into the business side of the sport, and the unforgettable message she received from the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.The crew wraps up by making their Unrivaled postseason predictions.REFERENCES: What a March CBA deal would mean for WNBA free agency, expansion and the draft by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA has reached its revenue-sharing target for the first time. Chantel and Sabreena break down what that milestone means and explore its potential impact on the ongoing CBA negotiations.They then turn to college basketball, taking a look around the country and analyzing the performances of the TCU, Minnesota, and Kentucky as they approach the NCAA tournament.Next, they break down the race for the final No. 1 seed, explaining how the selection committee evaluates teams. They discuss strengths and weaknesses of Texas, Vanderbilt, and other SEC and Big Ten contenders, emphasizing the importance of head-to-head matchups and the implications of the SEC tournament.To close the show, we take an early look ahead and discuss where Paige Bueckers might rank in 2026.REFERENCES: WNBA offers housing concession in CBA counterproposal to players by Sabreena MerchantWNBA says 2026 season will be impacted if no deal on a CBA by March 10 by Sabreena MerchantWomen’s college basketball rankings: How Louisville, Duke tripped against bubble teams by Sabreena MerchantIowa puts clamps down on No. 6 Michigan for signature victory by Chantel Jennings__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Sabreena begin their conversation by discussing the complexities of the ongoing CBA negotiations, including revenue sharing, player salaries, and the potential for a strike, as both sides work to meet their demands. Next, Zena is joined by NBA writer Shakeia Talyor to discuss the remarkable business journey of basketball star Angel Reese. They explore how Angel has leveraged her talent and social media presence to build a brand that transcends the court.We close by examining which Unrivaled Coach has the strongest chance of transitioning into a WNBA head coaching role.REFERENCES: WNBA players submit counterproposal with lower revenue share, salary cap by Sabreena MerchantThe business of Angel Reese: acting, modeling, branding and, of course, basketball by Shakeia Taylor__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was no shortage of women’s hoops news this weekend!Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick things off with the news of Breanna Stewart signing with a EuroLeague Women team and what it means as she plans to join after Unrivaled. Then they break down Adam Silver’s latest comments on the WNBA CBA negotiations. From there, the crew shares their thoughts on Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament final and the league’s plan to add a postseason tour stop.Next, we take a look at the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee’s Top 16 reveal and what it signals about the selection process and evaluation criteria.Afterwards, it’s all about the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball. The trio breaks down how the Gamecocks have navigated challenges this season, highlighting the team’s flexibility as a defining strength. They discuss a frontcourt that has exceeded expectations despite key absences, the pivotal contributions of Raven Johnson, Joyce Edwards, and Madina Okot, the impact of new additions, and Dawn Staley’s masterful in-game adjustments. They also examine South Carolina’s reimagining following last season’s title loss — and whether a return to the championship game is within reach.To close things out, we wrap up with a fun, Dawn Staley–inspired game.REFERENCES: Adam Silver ‘not ready to set a drop-dead date’ on CBA negotiations with WNBPA by Sabreena MerchantUnrivaled schedules postseason games in New York following Philadelphia success by Sabreena MerchantBreanna Stewart signing with EuroLeague team, will join after Unrivaled by Sabreena MerchantWomen’s college basketball power rankings: South Carolina flexes its SEC dominance by Sabreena MerchantDRIVING; My Life, My Mercedes CL500 by Dawn Staley__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Sabreena discuss the ongoing CBA negotiations, highlighting recent updates and the potential for a player strike. They then shift to Angel Reese’s return to the Rose Basketball Club and the exciting on-court action in the Unrivaled one-on-one tournament.From there, they dive into the upcoming WNBA Draft, exploring the rise of international prospects, the potential impact of an expansion draft, and the chance for a historic UCLA presence in this year’s class. They weigh the pros and cons of drafting overseas talent, examine the class’s overall depth, and assess top prospects, breaking down what makes them stand out — and where they still need growth.Plus, we tell you where to set your screens this weekend.REFERENCES: Angel Reese will join Unrivaled for remainder of season, reunite with Rose BC by Sabreena MerchantWNBA mock draft: Lauren Betts leads five first-round picks from UCLA by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick off their discussion with the unveiling of Unviraled’s 1-on-1 tournament bracket. They highlight what fans can look forward to and share their predictions on who might come out on top.Next, the crew dives deep into UCLA’s surge in the Big Ten, breaking down roster changes, the impact of transfers, and why this season feels so urgent. They also explore how NIL has shaped the team, how the players have stayed together, and how UCLA is viewed nationally, ending with a look at their potential WNBA draft prospects.The conversation wraps up with a fun game of Start, Bench, Cut.REFERENCES: Duke’s season turnaround is official after taking down No. 6 Louisville by Sabreena MerchantWomen’s college basketball rankings: Tennessee’s troubling tumble, Texas impresses by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sabreena and Chantel kick things off with the latest on CBA talks following this week’s meeting between the league and the players’ union. With little coming out of the meeting, they discuss what it means for WNBA free agency, the expansion draft, and the league’s hopes of starting the season on time.From there, bracketologist Eden Laase joins the duo to break down the concept of “bubble teams”— those fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. They explore why signature wins matter, how conference schedules shape resumes, and which teams to keep an eye on as the season winds down. Eden provides insights into the challenges faced by mid-major teams and the fluctuating nature of rankings as the tournament approaches.Lastly, we wrap things up with a matching exercise where we pair women's basketball players with an olympic sport.REFERENCES: A question for WNBA, players union during CBA talks: Where’s the urgency? by Sabreena Merchant Women’s basketball bubble watch: Will Iowa State make the tournament? by Eden Laase__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena take a look around women’s college basketball, kicking off their conversations with UCLA’s impressive run in the Big Ten, UConn’s resilience against Tennessee, and the excitement of a thrilling rivalry game between Michigan and Michigan State.Then, we dive into some of our favorite moments from the college season—like which on-court duo runs the best pick-and-roll, whose team defense you absolutely don’t want to face, and which player you’d trust with the final shot. These are the moments that make us stop and ask: which would we rather have?Finally, we wrap things up by answering a question from one of their listeners.REFERENCES: Women’s college basketball rankings: Iowa, TCU, Maryland slip after injuries by Sabreena MerchantUConn’s undefeated quest in women’s basketball embodies chase for total perfection by Chantel Jennings__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big moves in women’s basketball! Caitlin Clark joins NBC Sports for Basketball Night in America — Zena, Chantel and Sabreena break down all elite basketball IQ and competitive insight she’ll bring to the broadcast. Then, Unrivaled hits Philadelphia, making a statement for the league.Next, we take a deep dive into one program that changed women’s basketball forever — UConn. We explore decades of dominance, from the legendary era of Rebecca Lobo, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, to Paige Bueckers. We break down how this sustained success has left its mark on women’s college basketball — and question whether it’s been entirely good for the sport. Plus, we wonder: could this year’s team run the table and win back-to-back championships? Then, Chantel quizzes Zena and Sabreena on quotes from Geno Auriemma, challenging them to guess which player each quote is about. Finally, we close with the must-watch games to set your screens to this weekend.REFERENCES: Caitlin Clark joining NBC Sports for its new Sunday night NBA pregame show by Devon Henderson and Andrew MarchandWe want to hear from you! We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers!__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a weekend in women’s college hoops! Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick things off with an association-wide roundup, breaking down Vanderbilt’s first loss of the season to SEC rival South Carolina, Iowa’s dominant victory over Ohio State, and the teams making impressive pushes at this stage of the season.We then take a moment to acknowledge the tragic events in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Turning back to the court, the conversation shifts to Indiana football’s historic win under Coach Curt Cignetti. They examine how investment, coaching, transfer portal strategy, and culture came together to form a championship formula—and discuss how women’s college basketball programs can adopt a similar blueprint, highlighting teams already on that path.Finally, we wrap things up with a question: Is there a “hot seat” in women’s college basketball?REFERENCES: Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma stun South Carolina in overtime victory by Sabreena MerchantWomen's college basketball rankings: Is Duke's 11-game winning streak legit ... or a quirk? by Sabreena Merchant South Carolina cruises past Vanderbilt, ending Commodores’ undefeated season by Chantel JenningsRight now, ‘nothing feels right’ in Minneapolis. An NBA basketball game is no exception by Jon KrawczynskiWe want to hear from you! We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers!__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 WNBA schedule has officially dropped! Zena and Sabreena dive into the release, exploring it amid ongoing CBA negotiations, the FIBA World Cup’s impact on the season, the league’s 30th season celebration, and the creative ways teams unveiled their schedules.Next, bracketologist Eden Laase joins the conversation to break down early NCAA tournament seeding predictions. She highlights potential host teams, surprise teams that could get in, the significance of NET rankings, and the contenders for the top seed.Finally, we close out with Set Your Screens, your guide to catching all the action in women’s college basketball.REFERENCES: WNBA releases 2026 schedule amid CBA negotiations by Sabreena Merchant How NYU women’s basketball quietly became DIII’s No.1 team. No NIL, little attention, just winning by Eden LaaseWe want to hear from you! We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers!__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Sabreena start their discussion by evaluating Rebecca Lobo and Sue Bird’s view that the league’s offer to players is favorable. They then break down the weekend’s biggest upsets—from Kansas State’s surprising win over Texas Tech to the coaching decisions and team chemistry that made the difference. The duo also dives into the Coretta Scott King Classic, unpacking must-see matchups like Ohio State vs. TCU and Vanderbilt vs. Michigan, where strengths were tested and flaws exposed. They step back to assess UConn’s continued dominance, Notre Dame’s challenges, and the bigger question looming over the season: is women’s college basketball finally leveling out?Plus, Chantel Jennings returns as she takes the hot seat for a game of Two Truths and a Lie.REFERENCES: Kansas State stuns Texas Tech, hands Red Raiders first loss of season by Sabreena Merchant Women’s college basketball power rankings: South Carolina’s Raven Johnson finds her touch by Sabreena Merchant We want to hear from you! We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers!__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WNBA players continue to make waves into Hollywood! Zena, Sabreena, and Ben discuss the crossover of women’s basketball stars into the entertainment world, looking at the history of WNBA players making media appearances and the cultural significance of these transitions.Next, Zena and Sabreena dig into Unrivaled’s Season 2 TV viewership decline, unpacking everything from sophomore-season challenges and launch timing to competition with the NFL playoffs. They discuss how media rights and cross-promotion affect visibility—especially after last year’s NBA-on-TNT boost—plus how roster turnover impacts team-building. To close, they highlight the player pairings that have stood out most so far. They also dive into roster turnover and what it means for team cohesion, along with the player pairings that have caught their attention so far.Finally, we close things out with a major news update about one of our hosts.REFERENCES: WNBA and players union agree to free agency moratorium until CBA deal is reached by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Sabreena open their conversation with the latest updates on the CBA negotiations, discussing what comes next as talks hit their deadline with no agreement. From there, they shift to a recap of the association, covering Texas’ first loss of the season, Ohio State’s rise as a contender, Notre Dame’s unusual campaign, and the need for UNC and Duke to find consistency.Next, the duo explore the evolving landscape of women’s college basketball, focusing on the growing impact of international players in the NIL era and implications for the WNBA. They discuss how the influx of international talent brings excitement and challenges for college programs, introduces diverse playing styles, and highlights different pathways to the professional level—where international players often have more flexibility than American players facing strict draft eligibility rules. They also examine the need for clearer NCAA regulations around international participation.Finally, we wrap things up with one of our recruiting games: “Something in Common”.REFERENCES: WNBA, players union fail to reach CBA deal at deadline by Sabreena MerchantWNBA and players union agree to free agency moratorium until CBA deal is reached by Sabreena Merchant No. 12 LSU women hand No. 2 Texas first loss of season by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube:  @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.