No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The WNBA’s award races are heating up as the regular season winds down. Sabreena and Annie kick things off by breaking down the impact of Azzi Fudd’s injury on the Dallas Wings and what it could mean for her development moving forward. Then, they dive into the MVP race featuring A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, while also discussing the possibility of co-MVPs and the growing influence of guards in the conversation.

They also discuss the Coach of the Year race, including Cheryl Reeve and Natalie Nakase, and take a closer look at the Defensive Player of the Year debate, with Gabby Williams and A’ja Wilson among the names in the mix. With individual performance, team success and voting transparency all part of the conversation, the final games of the season could have a major impact on who takes home the hardware.

Finally, the duo tells you which games to keep an eye on this weekend.

REFERENCES:

Dallas Wings’ top pick Azzi Fudd to undergo season-ending knee surgery by Sabreena Merchant and Brian Hamilton

Caitlin Clark is having a banner season, so why isn't she in MVP conversations? by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

Olivia Miles twists ankle, exits Lynx’s win over Valkyries in fourth quarter by Marcus Thompson II
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Ever wonder what goes into some of the WNBA’s most creative and effective actions on the court? Zena and Sabreena are joined by Nekias Duncan, host of The Dunker Spot, for a deep dive into the X’s and O’s shaping the league right now. They break down everything from the Washington Mystics’ high-low action and the Liberty’s press-to-zone defense to the growing use of double drag, the Fever’s dead-ball actions, and some of the league’s most dynamic pick-and-roll partnerships.

Plus, the crew reacts to the Golden State Valkyries being awarded the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game, including how players have been eager to see All-Star Weekend come to the Bay Area. They also discuss the Toronto Tempo’s new mascots, Dot the Arctic Hare and Dez the Snapping Turtle.

And finally, they reflect on the incredible career of Nneka Ogwumike, who announced she will retire at the end of the season after 15 seasons in the WNBA.

REFERENCES:

Golden State to host 2027 WNBA All-Star Game by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

WNBA veteran Nneka Ogwumike announces retirement by Annie Costabile
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The playoff race is heating up, and the standings are getting tighter by the day! Zena and Sabreena break down the biggest performances and storylines from the weekend, starting with the Lynx-Aces matchup, which showcased the strengths of two of the league’s top contenders and what each team could bring to the postseason.

Then, they turn their attention to the Fever and how their recent surge has propelled them up the standings — and whether they’ve finally found an identity at the right time. Plus, how will injuries impact the Wings’ playoff hopes, and can the Atlanta Dream overcome their inconsistency and missed opportunities in close games as the postseason approaches?

To wrap things up, we answer a mailbag question about overseas play and the development opportunities it creates for WNBA players.

REFERENCES:

Point guard showdown in Indy ends in Caitlin Clark’s favor: Fever-Wings takeaways by James Boyd and Brian Hamilton

WNBA power rankings: Will Clark-Bueckers become the next Wilson-Stewart rivalry? by Sabreena Merchant

Fever show championship mettle in win over Dream: ‘We’ve grown up’ by Brian Hamilton

Mercury retire Diana Taurasi’s No. 3, welcome WNBA legend to Ring of Honor by Annie Costabile

Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne changed basketball with help from Chicago by Shakeia Taylor
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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What defines a dynasty in the WNBA? Sabreena and Annie dive into what it takes to build sustained success in the league and explore which teams could be poised to become the next great dynasty. How long can the Aces’ dominance last? Could Napheesa Collier explore other options after the season? And should the Golden State Valkyries already be in the dynasty conversation? The duo breaks it all down while also looking ahead at the next wave of talent coming into the WNBA.

Before that, they discuss the outcome of Cathy Engelbert’s meeting with the task force addressing the ongoing issues within the league. Then, we celebrate Diana Taurasi’s legacy as the Phoenix Mercury honor her legendary career.
To close, we tell you where to set your screens this weekend.

REFERENCES:

WNBA condemns online ‘bad-faith efforts’ to toxify league amid divisive conversations by Sabreena Merchant
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

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YT: @No-Offseason
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How does a team know when it’s time to rebuild? Zena and Sabreena dive into the complexities of rebuilding in the WNBA, looking at teams that have gotten it right — including how the Washington Mystics stumbled into a rebuild that’s moving faster than expected. They also examine teams that have been forced into rebuilding, like the Seattle Storm after key free-agency losses.

But first, the duo discusses Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White’s strong response to online criticism and how Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are making history together.

To wrap things up, we brainstorm ways to make Rivals Week even bigger and more compelling in the WNBA.

REFERENCES:

Fever coach Stephanie White fires back at online criticism: ‘Everybody else can go to hell’ By Brian Hamilton

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.