No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The WNBA playoffs have reached a fever pitch, and Zena and Sabreena are processing their feelings in real time. After a dramatic Thursday of Game 3s, the pair breaks down the clutch performances from the Fever and Aces to advance to the semifinals and salutes the efforts of the Dream and especially the Storm in defeat. They also preview Game 3 in Phoenix and figure out what lessons the Liberty and Mercury can take from how the Valkyries gave the Lynx's everything it could handle. Plus, stick around for some offseason predictions on the eliminated teams._________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first games of the postseason are in the books! Zena, Ben, and Sabreena share their takeaways after Sunday's games, from the Liberty’s road overtime win to the Aces continued hot streak -- providing insights into player performances and strategies that could impact each series in game 2.Plus, we discuss the impact of the growing popularity of the WNBA -- specifically on ticket prices and fan culture at large._________________References:WNBA playoffs takeaways: Lynx dominate Valkyries, Cloud thrives in OT Liberty win by Ben Pickman and Sabreena MerchantWNBA fandom costs rise as growing popularity drives up ticket prices by Ben Pickman _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena and Ben discuss the final few days of the Chicago Sky’s season before turning their attention to 2025 WNBA Playoffs. They break down each of the four first-round series, discussing key matchups and X-factors, before predicting who will advance. Then, they offer predictions for who will win it all this postseason. _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We will have our full 2025 WNBA playoff preview episode dropping later today!  _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the playoff standings are taking shape - Zena, Ben and Sabreena delve into the impressive win streak of the Las Vegas Aces and the evolving dynamics of teams like the New York Liberty and the Golden State Valkyries. Then, their conversation shifts to their award predictions!  Will this be a year of repeats? Who will be the MVP? Is it an easy choice for Coach of the Year? The crew continues on exploring the criteria for various awards, including Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved and Sixth Player of the Year. Finally, Zena chats with Veronica Burton, guard for the Golden State Valkyries, reflecting on her team's historic playoff qualification, the balance between opportunity and preparation, and her personal journey in basketball. _________________References:WNBA power rankings: Can Breanna Stewart spark the Liberty to prep for a playoff run? by Sabreena MerchantHas A’ja Wilson taken the lead over Napheesa Collier in WNBA MVP race? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben PickmanValkyries clinch historic playoff spot to culminate a season that has defied reason by Marcus Thompson IIGolden State Valkyries clinch playoff berth, will not host a game at Chase Center by Ben Pickman _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the WNBA season nearing a close, Zena, Sabreena and Ben discuss Angel Reese’s comments on the future of the Chicago Sky before coming with a group of made-up WNBA awards. Then, Las Vegas Aces forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus joins the show to share her insights on returning to the court two months after giving birth, balancing motherhood with her playing career and her decision to join the Las Vegas Aces. _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant discuss Caitlin Clark's injury announcement and its implications for her season and the Indiana Fever. They analyze the impact of her absence on the Fever's future and the overall growth of the WNBA. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by the Fever this season and the missed opportunities for the league due to Clark's injury. They also speculate on Clark's recovery and potential return to competitive play. _________________References:Caitlin Clark out for the rest of the season because of groin injury by Sabreena Merchant _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time once again for our mailbag episode! Zena, Ben and Sabreena answer your questions on all the buzzworthy topics of the 2025 WNBA season. Is there transparency in injury reporting? Has advanced analytics changed the way rookies have come into the league? Does the WNBA lack the depth to sustain expansion? And do special whistles exist in the W? Tune in to find out!  _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben returns to the show – joining Zena and Sabreena to discuss Rhyne Howard’s post-game comments concerning “MVP” chants breaking out for A’ja Wilson during the Aces-Dream game in Atlanta – plus, the crew digs in on Caitlin Clark’s new signature brand logo with Nike.Then, they do a deep dive on the Golden State Valkyries inaugural season – why they’ve had so much success both on the court and off, what future expansion teams can learn from their blueprint, and whether those news teams are positioned to thrive in the same way.Plus, Set Your Screens. _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Sabreena discuss the highlights from this past weekend in the WNBA – from the Aces extending their winning streak to the Storm increasing their playoff probability. And, in light of Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh’s ejection from the Sky-Sun game on Saturday, they debate the difference between the W’s infamous “physicality” and outright fouls.Then, Zena and Sabreena take a deep dive into the Rookie of the Year conversation – celebrating an incredible year for new players in the W – but settling on the only rookie who ultimately deserves the title: Paige Bueckers. How does she stack up against last year’s Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark? And what does the future look like for Paige and the Wings?Finally, Zena challenges Sabreena to a game of Two Takes and a Fake._________________References:WNBA power rankings: Can the Aces keep climbing in the standings? by Sabreena MerchantAs Indiana Fever await Caitlin Clark’s return, can they hold on for playoff push? by Sabreena Merchant _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A record-breaking 2025 season continues for the WNBA, and Zena and Sabreena are back to break down two of the biggest moments of the week: Sue Bird’s statue unveiling in Seattle and Paige Bueckers’ rookie-record 44 points against the Sparks, even in a losing effort. They also touch on some more injury news out of Indiana and Dallas and even more drama regarding the attempted sale of the Connecticut Sun. Then, it’s time for a big discussion on the WNBA schedule and why it has been such a hot topic of conversation among players and fans this season. Zena and Sabreena get into what parameters the league has to consider when creating the calendar and how this will change moving forward as the WNBA adds more teams and has to potentially expand its footprint. They talk about how the schedule may factor into health and safety and what the players are saying about the cadence of games before putting on their commissioner’s caps and making some suggestions for the league in 2026 and beyond. Finally, it’s time to set your screens for what Zena and Sabreena are watching this weekend.  _________________References:Paige Bueckers ties rookie single-game scoring record in Wings’ narrow loss to Sparks by Sabreena MerchantWhy has the sale of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun become so complicated? by Mike VorkunovThe Making of the WNBA schedule at WNBA.com _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Sabreena take stock of a historic WNBA weekend, including A’ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Plum all reaching individual milestones while the Golden State Valkyries set a record for the most wins by an expansion team. They also get into the latest injury news out of Indiana. Then, senior investigative writer Carson Kessler joins Zena and Sabreena to discuss The Athletic’s latest investigative series on stalking in sports. Carson explains how this project came to be and the trio explore a variety of topics including: the frequency of stalkers and why those numbers might be underreported, what stalking looks like in the digital age, and how colleges and leagues can protect their athletes going forward. Finally, Zena and Sabreena debut “Explain the Game”, where they answer a listener question about how something in the WNBA works. _________________References:‘I’m sitting behind the bench’: Inside sports’ escalating stalking problem by Carson KesslerWNBA power rankings: Golden State Valkyries aiming to make history by Sabreena Merchant _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben start with a temperature check of the WNBA. They dive into the Las Vegas Aces’ five-game winning streak and what their latest win over New York tells us about each of the rival squads. They also share their thoughts on the hatching of Violet, the new mascot of the Valkyries, and the increasingly complicated potential sale of the Connecticut Sun. Then, Meg Linehan (women’s sports lead at The Athletic) joins Zena and Sabreena for a conversation about labor across women’s sports. They talk about the NWSL CBA, what the WNBA players association could learn from that document, and how this rapid growth in women’s sports is affecting soccer and basketball. Finally, Ben comes back with Zena and Sabreena to set their screens as the race for the postseason tightens up. _________________References:NWSL and NWSLPA agree terms on new collective bargaining agreement by Meg Linehan _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena break down the start to WNBA Rivals Week – discussing some key injuries around the W that have dampened excitement for some of these matchups. They also touch upon A'ja Wilson's historic night, and how DiJonai Carrington and Brittney Sykes are making an impact on their new teams.Then, the crew turns their attention to who could be the 2025 WNBA MVP. What gets factored into making that decision? How much does win percentage matter? And is Napheesa Collier still the frontrunner despite missing some time with her recent injury?Plus, Ben walks the crew through his reporting on a WNBA tradition: the post-practice half court shot contest._________________References:Indiana Fever lose guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald for the season by Sabreena Merchanthttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6546038/2025/08/11/aja-wilson-wnba-history-30-points-20-rebounds/ by Rebecca Tauberhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6539678/2025/08/11/wnba-halfcourt-shots-practices-fever-liberty/ by Ben Pickmanhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6546028/2025/08/11/wnba-power-rankings-minnesota-lynx-trade-deadline/ by Sabreena Merchant _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Sabreena recap the Brittney Sykes and Aaliyah Edwards trades made at the WNBA trade deadline, and assess Seattle's potential as a contender, plus Washington's direction after its surprising hot start. Then, Ben joins to discuss his reporting on the wave of bright green sex toys being thrown onto WNBA courts. He takes us into the world of memecoins and crypto disruptions and what this trend has to do with women's basketball. The group adds their reactions about how this has potentially corrupted a positive moment for the league. Finally, Zena and Sabreena set their screens for a big western conference showdown with playoff seeding implications._________________References:WNBA sex toy incidents may be linked to cryptocurrency group’s money scheme by Ben PickmanCan the Seattle Storm contend for a WNBA title? Mailbag answers from our expert by Sabreena MerchantThird WNBA game interrupted by a sex toy. What are players, coaches saying? by Sabreena MerchantWashington Mystics trade Brittney Sykes to Seattle Storm by Ben Pickman and Sabreena MerchantFor the WNBA, this is about more than just green sex toys by Shannon Ryan _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena discuss a busy weekend in the W: Phee’s ankle injury, DiJonai’s trade to the Lynx, and the potential sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun. Sabreena and Ben share their insider perspective and reporting around how likely this sale is to go through – and the complications that could derail it. Then, Sabreena’s power rankings are back in action - and so is the Sabreena Scale, with an emphasis on the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks.Next up, Ben and Sabreena enter the trade machine: who should be traded where? Who could be traded where? And why don’t more players get traded in the W, in general?Plus, Ben serves up another edition of Something in Common._________________References:Connecticut Sun sold to group led by Celtics minority owner with intention of moving team to Boston: Reports by Ben PickmanWNBA power rankings: Are the Indiana Fever contenders again? by Sabreena MerchantLynx star Napheesa Collier to undergo testing after injuring ankle vs. Aces by Ben PickmanWings trade DiJonai Carrington to Lynx for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, draft pick by Sarah Jean Maher _________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Ben talk about the wacky week that was in the W, with bright green instruments hitting the court and Sparky the LA mascot hitting the deck hard during halftime. Next, they discuss the first rematch of the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty since their finals run last season.Then, with a few big upsets around the Association this week, they turn their attention to some bigger questions – like why do the outcomes of almost every game feel so consequential? Why does the W feel so inconsistent sometimes? What do we mean when we say a team is a “bad” team? In short, what does the concept of hierarchy really mean in the WNBA?After that, Ben and Zena talk through some of the most intriguing players in the W, as the second half of the season gets underway. Plus, what we’re watching this weekend._________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang is back together to talk about an action-packed weekend in the WNBA – from the Liberty-Sparks buzzer beater to fortunes starting to turn for the Valks and the Lynx. Then, basketball and business writer for The Athletic Mike Vorkunov joins the pod to talk about the working relationship between the WNBA and the NBA. With a special focus on CBA negotiations and expansion, Zena, Ben and Mike lean into all things money: why hasn’t the WNBA ever been profitable? What role does the NBA play in that question – and what roles do NBA staffers play all throughout the W? Why are NBA owners selling teams at a record rate, while at the same time, investors are clamoring to get into the W? How exactly is revenue defined in the WNBA – and how important is the answer to that question when determining how much the players are owed?_________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________References:Liberty star Breanna Stewart avoided serious injury in loss to Sparks: Source by Ben PickmanValkyries’ Kayla Thornton to miss rest of season after knee surgery by Darnell Mayberry and Ben PickmanHow the WNBA went from an ‘existential’ moment to record success by Mike Vorkunov and Ben Pickman_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena is back from vacation – and stepping into a world where the WNBA dominates her social feed. She and Ben talk about All-Star Weekend, and how the W – from the StudBudz to the players’ viral warmup shirts – has moved into a new space of cultural prominence. Next, Ben shares reporting updates on the CBA – the new collective bargaining agreement being negotiated in the WNBA – including who exactly is sitting on both sides of the table, how revenue sharing actually works in the W (hint: it’s different than you think), and what the league is willing to say about its profitability.Then, Zena and Ben talk through some of the biggest questions facing the teams of the WNBA as the second half of the season gets underway. Can the Fever and the Aces make a real run for it? With some fresh faces in the mix, will the Liberty be back on top? Are there any lower ranked teams that can make it to the playoffs? Plus, what we’re watching this weekend._________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________References:What to know about WNBA CBA negotiations: Revenue sharing, salary increases and scheduling by Ben PickmanAs Caitlin Clark’s injuries persist, what’s the Fever’s outlook for WNBA’s second half? by Ben PickmanTwo-time All-Star Emma Meesseman to sign with New York Liberty in WNBA return: Source by Ben PickmanTen questions (that don’t involve Caitlin Clark) about the WNBA’s second half by Sabreena Merchant_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben is joined by James Boyd, a writer for The Athletic based in Indianapolis, to dish on the winners and losers from WNBA All-Star Weekend. They go behind-the-scenes in Indy, from the CBA negotiations on Thursday to the 3-point contest on Friday night to the pre-game activism on Saturday – and the 72-hour StudBudz stream that captured it all.Then, they do a deep dive on what’s behind the “Pay Us What You Owe Us” t-shirts that the All-Stars wore before the game on Saturday: Where do things stand with CBA negotiations? What did players and league representatives say about the meeting that kicked off All-Star Weekend? And where could things evolve with this new contract as the months wear on?Plus, some WNBA games to look forward to as the second half of the season gets underway._________________Visit our YouTube page!_________________References:WNBA players wisely use All-Star spotlight for CBA leverage: ‘Pay us what you owe us’ by Sabreena MerchantWNBA All-Star Game winners, losers: ‘Pay Us’ shirts, Napheesa Collier record, Indy as host by Ben PickmanNapheesa Collier named All-Star Game MVP as players send message about CBA demands by James BoydWNBA commissioner confident CBA will be signed by deadline despite player concerns by Ben PickmanLiberty sweep: Natasha Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu dominate WNBA All-Star Friday by Sabreena Merchant, James Boyd, and Ben PickmanGrading WNBA All-Star contests: Sabrina Ionescu’s 3-point performance sets high bar by Ben Pickman_________________Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.comYou can also find us on social media:-Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseason-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajmVisit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.