No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The WNBA continues to navigate a growing number of distractions and controversies, sparking important conversations. Zena and Annie dive into the recent confrontation between former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom and Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud. What led to the incident, and why are WNBA players so often caught in the crossfire of cultural and political debates? The duo discusses how these moments impact the league and wonder what the WNBA can do to ensure off-court distractions don’t continue to overshadow the game.

But first, Zena and Annie break down some of the biggest moments from the weekend, including the introduction of the Portland Fire’s new mascot, Sydney Taylor’s impact on the Chicago Sky and the Toronto Tempo’s ongoing injury woes.

Then, they turned attention to the Phoenix Mercury and veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, who mutually agreed to part ways. Could the move open the door for Bonner to join another team in playoff contention?

Finally, they share their thoughts on Apple TV+’s new three-part docuseries, The Dynasty: UConn Huskies, which chronicles the rise of one of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball history.

REFERENCES:

Mercury buy out DeWanna Bonner’s contract, freeing 6-time All-Star to pursue title run by Annie Costabile

WNBA power rankings: Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream bounce back at perfect time by Sabreena Merchant

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom ejected from Sky-Fever game after confrontation by Brian Hamilton

Sky-Valkyries game disrupted by multiple sex toys thrown on court; Cloud calls culprits ‘weak’ by The Athletic Staff

Enes Kanter Freedom isn’t protecting women. He’s out to instigate, divide, marginalize by Jerry Brewer
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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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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

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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
IG: @tanooffseason
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.