No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Sabreena and Annie take a closer look at the league’s middle tier—teams with something to prove. They evaluate the future outlook of the Minnesota Lynx, explore whether the Golden State Valkyries can find success again in year two, and consider what lies ahead for the Los Angeles Sparks. We also dive into the pressure facing the Chicago Sky amid roster changes, and the challenges confronting Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury.

Finally, we’ll tell you where to set your screens!

REFERENCES:

As Angel Reese returns to Chicago with Dream, Sky work to re-imagine their future by Annie Costabile

Angel Reese fits right in with Dream, beats Sky in first game since trade: Takeaways by Annie Costabile

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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.

Layshia and Annie talk through WNBA teams that are in build mode. From finding the right mix of rookies and vets to handling expansion challenges, they look at how Portland, Toronto, Washington, Connecticut, and Seattle are figuring out who they are in the 2026 season. Plus, they get into coaching, team strategies, what success looks like, and why some teams have the potential to surprise sooner than expected.

Plus — our take on the NCAA’s push to expand the tournament.

REFERENCES:

NCAA basketball tournaments closing in on 76-team March Madness starting in 2027: Sources by Ralph D. Russo

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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.

In this episode, we welcome our new women’s basketball writer and co-host, Annie Costabile! Chantel and Annie kick things off with a look inside the Fever training camp, joined by Colts beat writer James Boyd, who has been inside the camp. James shares insight on Caitlin Clark’s return and highlights key players who could step up to ease her ball-handling load—allowing her to thrive off the ball.

Next, Chantel and Annie turn their attention to New York, where head coach Chris DeMarco is working to establish a new identity for the Liberty heading into the season. From there, they break down the Chicago Sky in their post-Angel era, exploring whether their latest retooling efforts will pay off—and what might be different this time around.

Finally, we wrap things up with a “get to know Annie” segment.

REFERENCES:

Raven Johnson, Caitlin Clark reunite with Fever after wave-off: ‘Maybe I needed that’ by James Boyd

Caitlin Clark stays Fever’s top ballhandler, but Raven Johnson should alleviate pressure by James Boyd

Fever vs. Liberty preseason takeaways: First looks at Caitlin Clark, New York’s bigs by Annie Costabile

Indiana Fever, Aliyah Boston strike $6.3 million extension; highest total value in WNBA history: Sources by James Boyd

Liberty starter Natasha Cloud remains unsigned with WNBA preseason underway by Annie Costabile

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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 Jennings chats with UCLA head coach Cori Close about the whirlwind following UCLA Women’s Basketball’s national title win, the lessons learned from past experiences, and what it takes to build a championship culture.

Coach Close also shares the influence of John Wooden and discusses the evolving landscape of college sports—particularly the transfer portal and NIL era. She outlines her strategic approach to recruiting and emphasizes the importance of institutional support for sustained success.

REFERENCES:

How UCLA’s super senior class, led by Lauren Betts, set the championship standard by Sabreena Merchant

Grading every 2026 WNBA first-round draft pick from Azzi Fudd to Lauren Betts by Sabreena Merchant and 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.

Zena and Layshia break down the moment that got everyone talking: was it fair to ask Azzi Fudd about her personal relationship with Paige Bueckers? They unpack the context behind the question, the reactions it sparked, and the broader conversation around how female athletes are covered. We also examine the extent of Paige’s influence on the Wings’ decision to select Azzi.

Then, we pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to be in WNBA training camp—navigating the jump from college to the pros. The conversation captures the mix of anxiety and excitement that defines the experience, along with the vital role of communication and teamwork and making lasting impressions.

Lastly, the duo wraps things up, questioning why veteran Natasha Cloud has yet to be signed.

REFERENCES:

How will the Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd on-court reunion go for the Dallas Wings? by Sabreena Merchant

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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.