No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Olivia Miles’ rookie campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. From breaking the WNBA rookie scoring record to stepping up in Napheesa Collier’s absence, the Minnesota Lynx guard is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. In this episode, Chantel and Sabreena welcome senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “The curious spectacle of Olivia Miles.” The three dive into Miles’ inquisitive nature, her record-setting rookie season, and how her quiet demeanor meshes with the stardom brought on by Minneapolis.

Plus, Zena, Sabreena, and Chantel break down the last Sabreena Scale of 2026 and get you caught up on all the playoff seeding possibilities as the regular season comes to a close.

And to wrap things up, our hosts revisit some of their boldest predictions. Which hot takes have turned cold?

References:

https://youtu.be/3b2RgueOkHA?si=CuNw89SSrGZwsnrS
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The Dallas Wings have had a turnaround season! Dallas Wings forward Alysha Clark joins Zena and Annie to break down the Wings’ turnaround season under new head coach Jose Fernandez, from building a new culture and establishing accountability to developing trust and confidence behind the scenes. She shares what fans may not see from the outside and explains how the team’s identity, adaptability and preparation will be tested as the playoffs approach.

Plus, Alysha opens up about her new children’s book, Paw Paw’s Playlist, a deeply personal project inspired by the loss of her father and her desire to help kids understand and process grief and big emotions.

And to wrap things up, Alysha joins Zena and Annie for a fun game of “Build the Playlist,” revealing favorite songs, nostalgic tracks and the music that has soundtracked her life.
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The WNBA returns Thursday night, and with just four games remaining, the playoff picture is still to be determined. Zena, Annie and Sabreena break down what’s at stake, including the latest from the Lynx, Wings, Liberty and Aces, key lineup changes, player health and how the FIBA World Cup break could impact the postseason. Plus, they look ahead to potential playoff matchups and ask: How much can these final four games change the playoff picture?

But first, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver weighs in on what the WNBA needs in its next commissioner, emphasizing the importance of a leader who can bring players and owners together.

Plus, Zena and Chantel sit down with Maryland guard Oluchi Okananwa, who reveals that more than 100 women’s college basketball players have joined the push to unionize through the United College Athletes Association.

REFERENCES:

Adam Silver says next WNBA commissioner should help ‘unify’ the league by Annie Costabile
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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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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chantel and Annie react to the U.S. capturing its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup gold medal, breaking down how Team USA overcame the challenges of the gold medal game and what ultimately made the difference in another championship run.

The duo also spotlight Sue Bird’s leadership as Managing Director of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team and the impact she has had on a program that continues to set the standard on the international stage.

They also break down Breanna Stewart’s standout performance and leadership, while also highlighting the contributions of the roster’s “young and turnt” group and the veterans who stepped up when Team USA needed them most.

With another gold medal secured, the duo looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and explores how USA Basketball will balance its emerging young stars with the veteran leaders who have set the standard.

REFERENCES:

Team USA takes down France for fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal by Annie Costabile

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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
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With a spot in Sunday’s gold medal game on the line, Chantel and Annie preview Team USA’s highly anticipated World Cup semifinal against Spain. They break down Spain’s strengths, the challenges this matchup presents and what the U.S. will need to do to keep its championship run alive.

The duo also look ahead to Sunday’s gold medal game and who could be waiting for Team USA if the U.S. advances.

REFERENCES:

Team USA moves on to World Cup semifinals after blowout win over Hungary by Annie Costabile

Team USA helped raise the bar on worldwide competition. Now it must stay ahead by Chantel Jennings
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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.