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No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
The Athletic
226 episodes
5 days ago
No Offseason is The Athletic’s show for all things women’s basketball. Hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman bring you the stories that matter the most and the insider info you need from the sport that never stops – served up alongside exclusive interviews with the biggest names in women’s hoops, from the NCAA to the WNBA and all points in between. New episodes drop Tuesday and Friday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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News,
Sports News,
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All content for No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show is the property of The Athletic and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
No Offseason is The Athletic’s show for all things women’s basketball. Hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman bring you the stories that matter the most and the insider info you need from the sport that never stops – served up alongside exclusive interviews with the biggest names in women’s hoops, from the NCAA to the WNBA and all points in between. New episodes drop Tuesday and Friday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Basketball
News,
Sports News,
Sports
Episodes (20/226)
No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Will the WNBA and Players’ Union Reach an Agreement In Time?

It’s gut-check time for the WNBA and its players, as less than a week remains until the current collective bargaining agreement expires. After catching up on the latest coaching hires in Dallas and Seattle, Zena, Sabreena, and Ben set the stage for the CBA deadline, explaining why the players opted out, what issues are at play, and how tensions have risen. Then, Sabreena and Ben speak with Erin D. Drake, senior advisor and legal counsel for the players’ union, the WNBPA, for a peek behind the curtains on negotiations – discussing where things currently stand, and what pathways exist if a deal is not reached by Friday. 


REFERENCES: 


More than 70 legislators, including Zohran Mamdani, sign letter in support of WNBA players union by Ben Pickman


Sonia Raman agrees to deal to become Seattle Storm’s head coach: Sources by Ben Pickman


WNBA mailbag: CBA negotiation, free agency and expansion draft answers by Ben Pickman



We’re putting together a couple of mailbag episodes! Got thoughts or questions about the CBA? Curious about college hoops? Send them our way — we want to hear from you! Email us at NoOffseason@theathletic.com



__


No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network


Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com


Show Links:

-YouTube:  @No-Offseason 

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason


Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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5 days ago
59 minutes 54 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Can Anyone Catch UConn?

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena talk through the latest developments in WNBA coaching news and CBA negotiations, including Sandy Brondello’s likely hire as the first ever coach of the Toronto Tempo and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s comments regarding salaries and revenue-sharing in the W.


Then, they turn their attention to some burning questions for the upcoming NCAA women’s basketball season: can anyone catch reigning champs UConn? How will USC fare without superstar JuJu Watkins? Who are the freshmen and transfers to keep an eye on? And, when all is said and done, who might move on from college ball to become the No. 1 draft pick in 2026?

_________________



References:


Toronto Tempo expected to hire Sandy Brondello as franchise’s first head coach: Source by Ben Pickman


WNBA players union director criticizes NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s statements by Ben Pickman


Why haven’t the WNBA and players union reached a deal? by Sabreena Merchant


Dallas Wings working to hire Jose Fernandez as franchise’s next head coach: Sources by Ben Pickman


_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


We’re putting together a couple of mailbag episodes! Got thoughts or questions about the CBA? Curious about college hoops? Send them our way — we want to hear from you! Email us at NoOffseason@theathletic.com



You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub


__


No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network


Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com


Show Links:

-YouTube:  @No-Offseason 

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason


Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 week ago
48 minutes 46 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Where the Shift Began: Inside the 2019 WNBA Draft Class

The 2019 class became a bridge between eras, combining the tail end of the old guard with a new wave of dynamic, skilled players ready to lead franchises. Zena, Sabreena, and Ben kick things off with updates on current coaching vacancies, diving into how some teams are using search firms to fill front office roles — moves that often set the stage for the next head coach hire. Then, it's time to revisit the 2019 WNBA Draft — a class that helped shape the league as we know it today. Who went too high? Who got overlooked? Which players have surprised us the most? And how did this class become a true turning point for the W? With the benefit of hindsight, the crew re-drafts the 2019 class to figure out who really should’ve gone where.


_________________



References:


WNBA’s Portland Fire name Cavs’ assistant Alex Sarama first coach in team history by Sabreena Merchant 


WNBA coaching carousel: What I’m hearing about the Liberty, Storm and other jobs by Ben Pickman

_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 week ago
49 minutes 54 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Episode Alert: We’ll be back later this week

Due to the AWS outage our full episode will be released later this week. Thanks for your patience!


_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 week ago
8 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Will Angel Reese Leave Chicago? Will Arike Stay in Dallas? The Free Agency Bonanza Begins!

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben kick things off with an unintentional announcement — the Portland Fire’s head coach was announced via a deleted, unexplained post. They dive into the resulting awkwardness and debate whether the announcement was meant for another time.


Then, the conversation shifts to the NBA’s announcement of three new referees advancing into its ranks — a move that raises questions about officiating standards in the WNBA.

From there, free agency explained. The crew breaks down team strategies and shifting rosters, asking the big questions: Will Angel Reese stay in Chicago? How will the Fever build around Caitlin Clark? And is the Arike Ogunbowale era in Dallas nearing its end?


Finally, they wrap things up with some head-scratching social media moments that leave the crew — and listeners — wondering what exactly is going on.


_________________



References:


WNBA season is most viewed ever on ESPN networks by Richard Deitsch


2025 WNBA free agency: Which players could make the biggest moves? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 


_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 weeks ago
53 minutes 42 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
The WNBA's Popularity Explosion: On-Court Talent and Off-Court Influence

After one more look back on the WNBA Finals — and Finals MVP A’ja Wilson taking a seat next to Ben Pickman at her victory press conference — Zena, Sabreena, and Ben take a bigger-picture look at the 2025 WNBA season. They get into some of the trends that defined this year, from the demographics of the fans and the explosion of the WNBA into popular culture to some on-court trends. Finally, Ben absolutely stumps Zena and Sabreena with one final game testing their ability to remember the most anomalous stat lines of the year. 


_________________



References:


How the Phoenix Mercury’s ‘think outside the box’ roster-building created a winner by Sabreena Merchant


A new generation is embracing the WNBA, including young boys by Ben Pickman



_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 weeks ago
52 minutes 31 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Aces Cement Dynasty with Championship Sweep

The Aces completed a four-game sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the first-ever best-of-seven WNBA Finals - Ben, Sabreena and senior writer Marcus Thompson II were on the scene at the Mortgage Matchup Center, where the Aces’ were crowned as the 2025 WNBA champions. Together, they discuss A’ja Wilson's outstanding performance, the Aces' dominance over the Phoenix Mercury, and the future of the Phoenix Mercury. 


Then - they turn their attention to the WNBA championship ceremony where there were noticeable boos from the crowd whenever WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the mic. What does it all mean? Has Cathy also lost favor with the fans? And ​​what will her next steps be during the postseason?


Lastly - the crew wrap things up with their favorite moments from Game 4.


_________________



References:


Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts ejected for double technical foul in Game 4 loss of WNBA Finals by Sabreena Merchant 



Las Vegas Aces claim WNBA championship with sweep of Phoenix Mercury by Ben Pickman 



_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 weeks ago
31 minutes 45 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
A’ja Wilson lifts the Aces to the brink of a ring

The Aces are now one win away from their third WNBA championship in four years! Zena, Ben and Sabreena share their takeaways on A’ja Wilson’s pivotal performance and the impact of the Aces supporting cast that  impeded on a Mercury comeback.  Why have the Mercury struggled so hard to find their rhythm in the Finals? Are the Aces’ just too dominant to overcome? And how will the WNBA Finals end?


Then -the crew discuss their thoughts about the latest chatter surrounding the WNBA CBA negotiations.



_________________



References:


A’ja Wilson’s heroic shot gives Las Vegas Aces a 3-0 WNBA Finals lead over Phoenix Mercury by Sabreena Merchant


_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 weeks ago
35 minutes 59 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Aces Flex Their Championship Swagger in Dominant 2-0 Series Lead

Another history-making night in the W - Jackie Young sets a new WNBA Finals record with 21 points in a single quarter. The Athletic’s senior columnist Marcus Thompson II joins Ben and Sabreena to analyze the Aces' victory over the Mercury in Game 2. Together, they cover the defensive strategies employed by the Aces and the challenges faced by the Mercury. 


Plus - they share their insights into what the Mercury need to do to turn the series around in Game 3.

_________________



References:


Jackie Young scores 32 as Las Vegas dominates Phoenix for 2-0 lead in WNBA Finals by Sabreena Merchant 


Are the Las Vegas Aces unstoppable? So far, the Phoenix Mercury can’t figure them out by Ben Pickman 


_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 weeks ago
27 minutes 7 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Aces Deal a Winning Hand from Their Bench in Game 1

Following an absolutely electric Game 1 of the WNBA finals - Ben and Sabreena are live from Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, breaking down moments from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s response to player criticism, officiating and player-league dynamics. Is Engelbert's latest response enough to quiet the criticism? How will  the league move forward after her controversial remarks? 


Then they turn their attention to the Aces clutch bench performance and how the Mercury allowed a golden opportunity to slip away in the closing moments of Game 1. 


Plus -they look ahead to each team's strategy in Game 2. 

_________________



References:


WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addresses player criticism, CBA, officiating, job security by Ben Pickman


Cathy Engelbert is not the WNBA’s future. Soon, the commish may not even be its present by Marcus Thompson II


WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces take Game 1 with comeback victory against Phoenix Mercury by Ben Pickman


Las Vegas Aces get in a (defensive) zone to stage WNBA Finals comeback win in opener by Sabreena Merchant 



_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
4 weeks ago
26 minutes 36 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
The Aftermath of Napheesa Collier’s Explosive Statement + Aces-Mercury Finals Preview

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena gather to discuss Napheesa Collier’s explosive exit interview statement, examining Phee’s words and the meaning underlying them from nearly every angle — what players really think about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the power dynamics at play and the NBA’s role behind the scenes, the physicality of the current game and the rise of injuries, the influence of Unrivaled, and the element threaded through all of this: the frustration over ongoing CBA negotiations and the potential of a work stoppage. 


Then, with Ben and Sabreena reporting on the ground in Vegas, the crew weighs in on the storylines to watch as the Aces-Mercury Finals match-up gets underway Friday night. Plus: who might have the edge to win it all?


_________________



References:


Napheesa Collier calls out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert: ‘Worst leadership in the world’ by Ben Pickman 


Caitlin Clark will not play in Unrivaled this winter: Source by Ben Pickman and Alex Andrejev



WNBA players say CBA negotiations are stalling as deadline nears by Sabreena Merchant



Is the WNBA headed for a work stoppage? The consequences could be grim for the league by Ben Pickman


The Las Vegas Aces heard your doubts. … It fueled their run back to the WNBA Finals by Sabreena Merchant 





_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
1 hour 1 minute 47 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
The Fever Run Hot, WNBA Officiating Under Review + Sports Betting 101

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena take a dive deep into the highly anticipated Game 5 semifinals match-up between the Aces and Fever. Will A’ja Wilson bring her A-game? What adjustments will the Aces make? And how can the Fever pull off the ultimate upset? Then, the crew share their thoughts on the emotional end to the Lynx’s season – and the Mercury’s ascendance to the Finals. 


Next, following Cheryl Reeve’s suspension after the Mercury-Lynx Game 3 on Friday night, Zena, Ben, and Sabreena talk about the play in question between Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier – before getting into the intricacies behind freedom of movement in the WNBA and the implications of officiating decisions as teams continue to navigate the playoffs.


Finally, The Athletic’s Sports Betting Editor, Hannah Vanbiber joins Zena and Ben to discuss the basics of sports betting – from money lines to point spreads and totals – before entertaining some made-up WNBA prop bets.  


_________________



References:


Indiana Fever stave off elimination, even WNBA semifinals against Las Vegas Aces by Sabreena Merchant 


How did the Indiana Fever avoid collapsing? A season-long bond keeps them fighting by Sabreena Merchant


Minnesota Lynx eliminated from WNBA playoffs, Phoenix Mercury reach finals by Ben Pickman 


Minnesota Lynx couldn’t get back to WNBA Finals. Next year’s quest might get even harder by Ben Pickman


WNBA fines Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve $15,000 after Game 3 ejection, suspension: Source by Sabreena Merchant 


_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
55 minutes 51 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Emergency Pod: Is Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve’s Suspension Justified?

Following two technical fouls during Game 3 of the semifinals – and some very choice comments during the post-game press conference – Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve has been suspended from Game 4. Zena, Ben, and Sabreena gather to break down the details behind the suspension, and answer the question: is it justified?


_________________



References:


Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve suspended for Game 4 following ejection during loss to Mercury - The Athletic by Ben Pickman


_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
27 minutes 11 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Inside the Liberty & Storm Head Coach Shake-Ups + Semis Game 3 Look-aheads

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena dive into the semifinal games, breaking down what made the difference for both the Aces and the Mercury in securing their wins. Then, they turn their attention towards Game 3 in each series: Can the Fever regain their momentum? Will the Mercury make the most of their homecourt advantage and edge ahead against the Lynx? 


Later, the crew goes behind the scenes of recent coaching changes in the WNBA, discussing the inside stories behind Sandy Brondello’s departure from the New York Liberty and Noelle Quinn’s exit from the Seattle Storm. They analyze the implications of these changes, expectations placed on new coaches, and the concerning absence of black female head coaches in the WNBA.


Plus: Ben’s new game, “Who Said It?”

_________________



References:


Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson found another level of leadership to guide Aces to semifinals win by Sabreena Merchant


Six New York Liberty coaching candidates to replace Sandy Brondello by Ben Pickman




_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
59 minutes 48 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Lynx Rally to Stun Mercury, Fever Deals Aces a Bad Hand + Unrivaled Season 2

Zena and Sabreena are joined by Brendan Glasheen, play-by-play announcer for the Connecticut Sun and Unrivaled. Together, they dive into the WNBA semifinals, discussing the performances of the top MVP vote-getters in their respective Game 1s, plus what adjustments the Aces and the Mercury need to make if they’re going to notch a win next time around. 


Then, it’s a deep dive into Unrivaled: the impact the league’s first season had on the WNBA’s current season, and some big changes to expect when Unrivaled’s second season rolls around in January. 


Finally, Sabreena quizzes Brendan on his memory of the 2025 Sun season. 

_________________



References:


Unrivaled women’s basketball league announces 2 expansion teams, 18 roster spots by Ben Pickman


Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx make WNBA semifinals statements with victories by Sabreena Merchant and Jon Krawczynski


Kelsey Mitchell played in 6 losing seasons with the Indiana Fever. Now? She’s thriving by Sabreena Merchant


_________________


No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. 



Visit our YouTube page!


_________________


Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
57 minutes 51 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Dream Can’t Break the Fever, Aces Survive the Storm + more WNBA elimination drama

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 the Valkyries' fight against the Lynx.


Plus, some offseason predictions for the eliminated teams.

_________________


Visit our YouTube page!


_________________



Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
45 minutes 48 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
How the Aces & Liberty Can Win Their Series + Surging Ticket Prices

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 Merchant


WNBA 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.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
53 minutes 15 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
WNBA First Round Playoff Deep Dive & Angel Reese’s Future

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.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
51 minutes 5 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Episode Alert: WNBA Playoff Preview!!!

We will have our full 2025 WNBA playoff preview episode dropping later today! 


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Visit our YouTube page!


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Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
24 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
WNBA Award Predictions: Who Will Take Home the Honors? + Valkyries star Veronica Burton joins the pod!

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. 


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References:


WNBA power rankings: Can Breanna Stewart spark the Liberty to prep for a playoff run? by Sabreena Merchant




Has A’ja Wilson taken the lead over Napheesa Collier in WNBA MVP race? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman



Valkyries clinch historic playoff spot to culminate a season that has defied reason by Marcus Thompson II


Golden 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.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm


Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 1 minute 6 seconds

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
No Offseason is The Athletic’s show for all things women’s basketball. Hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman bring you the stories that matter the most and the insider info you need from the sport that never stops – served up alongside exclusive interviews with the biggest names in women’s hoops, from the NCAA to the WNBA and all points in between. New episodes drop Tuesday and Friday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.