No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Zena and Layshia begin by discussing the uncertain future of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert before turning to the upcoming expansion draft, where they analyze potential player selections and the strategic decisions facing new teams.

They then explore the vital role of coaching, particularly under high-pressure circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication between coaches and players. Drawing on memorable game moments, they highlight the impact of player-coach interactions and the balance between intensity and care, showing how trust is crucial in challenging situations.

We close things out with Layshia’s Lens, featuring a buzzer-beater moment.

REFERENCES:

Adam Silver praises Cathy Engelbert, but hasn’t discussed her future with WNBA board by Mike Vorkunov

WNBA sets expansion draft for April 3 as Toronto and Portland begin to build rosters by Curt Anderson

WNBA expansion draft big board: Who will Toronto and Portland select? by Sabreena Merchant

Maryland coach Brenda Frese went viral for yelling at Oluchi Okananwa. There’s more to the story by Elise Devlin

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected]

Show Links:
-YouTube: @No-Offseason
-Instagram: @tanooffseason
-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:
-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita
-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm
-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings
-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chantel and Sabreena dive into the implications of the newly ratified WNBA CBA, exploring its impact on player contracts and how teams may approach free agency moving forward.

Then the duo take an in-depth look at the Sweet 16, analyzing the matchups and standout player performances while examining how crowd dynamics influence outcomes. They also explore the representation of different conferences in the tournament, highlighting trends, surprises, and potential upsets, giving fans a comprehensive view of what makes this stage of March Madness so exciting.

Lastly, they wrap things up with “And One More Thing,” discussing the hiring of Tammi Reiss at Florida and how she might go about restoring the program.

REFERENCES:

What will Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more WNBA stars on rookie contracts now make? by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA’s Board of Governors joins players in unanimously ratifying new CBA by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA term sheet reveals CBA details on schedule, facilities standards, more by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings

First look at women’s Sweet 16: Predictions and breakdowns for each matchup by Sabreena Merchant, Chantel Jennings, Grace Raynor, and Cameron Teague Robinson

How much to become Cinderella? Virginia's March Madness run fueled in part by Reddit co-founder gift by Chantel Jennings

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected]

Show Links:
-YouTube: @No-Offseason
-Instagram: @tanooffseason
-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:
-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita
-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm
-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings
-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA players have unanimously approved the 2026 CBA agreement, and Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick off the episode by walking through the first steps of the CBA becoming official—and what happens next. They then break down the defining moments from the weekend in the women’s tournament.

Next, they dive into who could emerge as the next star of March Madness, exploring how personality, leadership, and team success shape the tournament’s rising faces. They highlight the legacy of established players like Flau'jae Johnson, the rise of stars such as Madison Booker, and the importance of clutch performances.

Finally, the crew dips into the mailbag to discuss the surprising lack of upsets in the women’s tournament.

REFERENCES:

WNBA players approve new CBA in unanimous vote by Sabreena Merchant

Iowa avoids meltdown in stifling Carver-Hawkeye Arena for NCAA Tournament first-round win by Scott Dochternan

Fairleigh Dickinson coach calls for neutral NCAA sites following close call at Iowa by Scott Dochternan

Tennessee’s lost its edge. Can the Lady Vols get it back? by Chantel Jennings

Women’s NCAA Tournament first round takeaways: Clemson falls in OT after controversial call by Chantel Jennings, Grace Raynor, Cameron Teague Robinson, Sabreena Merchant and Scott Dochterman

Amaya Battle sends Minnesota to Sweet 16 with last-second jumper vs. Ole Miss by Chantel Jennings

Maryland coach Brenda Frese gives intense coaching moment to Oluchi Okananwa by Devon Henderson

Women’s March Madness second-round takeaways: Can Minnesota keep its March magic going? by Sabreena Merchant

Who will become women’s March Madness stars? Watch these standouts become famous by Eden Laase

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected]

Show Links:
-YouTube: @No-Offseason
-Instagram: @tanooffseason
-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:
-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita
-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm
-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings
-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As more news emerges about the WNBA CBA deal, Chantel and Sabreena break down the biggest wins for both sides.

Then with March Madness in full swing, they preview the weekend’s biggest matchups, diving into the storylines, potential upsets, and chaos that define the tournament. They break down teams like TCU and West Virginia, examine why South Dakota State could shake up brackets, and debate whether the Big East is deeper than expected—and how that could impact the field.

Finally, they wrap things up with ‘Something In Common.’

REFERENCES:

WNBA’s historic labor agreement is worth toasting … for now by Chantel Jennings

Who are the top WNBA free agents? Get ready for a wild offseason after a new CBA deal by Sabreena Merchant

Women’s NCAA Tournament power rankings: Can Vanderbilt stay alive long enough to face UConn? by Eden Laase

Check out The Athletic's Interactive Bracket

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected]

Show Links:
-YouTube: @No-Offseason
-Instagram: @tanooffseason
-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:
-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita
-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm
-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings
-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From negotiations to victory — the WNBA and its players reach a historic CBA deal. Zena and Layshia, joined by Sabreena, break down key changes in revenue sharing, salary caps, and player benefits, as well as the timeline for the upcoming season.

Next, Zena and Layshia explore the evolution of CBA negotiations, the influence of star power, and the players’ fight for dignity, representation, and equality.

Finally, we wrap up with a new segment, ‘And One More Thing,’ highlighting a story or idea worth your attention.

REFERENCES:

What’s next for the WNBA after reaching a historic CBA deal? by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA, players reach verbal agreement on new CBA after marathon negotiations by Mike Vorkunov, Sabreena Merchant and The Athletic Staff

Check out The Athletic's Interactive Bracket
__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected]

Show Links:
-YouTube: @No-Offseason
-Instagram: @tanooffseason
-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:
-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita
-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm
-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings
-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.