No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The Golden State Valkyries’ historic championship has us asking: Is the formula for winning a WNBA title changing? Chantel and Annie break down how the Valkyries and Atlanta Dream challenged traditional ideas about championship contenders, proving that depth, chemistry, defense and impactful role players can be just as valuable as superstar power. They also discuss the importance of strong player-coach relationships and how record-breaking viewership reflects the continued growth of women’s basketball.
Plus, JuJu Watkins makes her highly anticipated return to the court. What does her comeback mean for USC’s championship aspirations? The duo also weighs in on the New York Liberty’s decision to part ways with head coach Chris DeMarco after just one season. What does this move mean for the franchise moving forward?
And finally, with the WNBA’s 30th season officially in the books, we take a look back at our favorite moments from a memorable season in women’s basketball.

REFERENCES:
USC star JuJu Watkins dazzles in first game in 588 days, scoring 21 points in rout by Bob Harkins

New York Liberty fire coach Chris DeMarco after 1 season by Annie Costabile

Who will the New York Liberty hire at head coach to replace Chris DeMarco? 8 names to watch by Annie Costabile

WNBA Finals Game 7 draws record 3.3 million viewers, most in playoff history by Emily Ohman
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Can UConn and South Carolina live up to their hype, or is another team poised to crash the national championship race? Chantel and Sabreena break down the top contenders, biggest question marks, and players who could define the women’s college basketball season.
The duo dives into South Carolina’s loaded roster, UConn’s experienced backcourt, and the questions surrounding USC’s talent and team chemistry. Plus, they discuss how significant roster turnover could impact Texas and UCLA, why Michigan’s returning core has plenty of potential, and whether Oklahoma State’s revamped roster could surprise this season.
Finally, we look ahead to some of the season’s most intriguing early matchups that could offer a first glimpse of how the top teams stack up against one another.

REFERENCES:
Women's college basketball predictions: Who's making the 2026-27 Final Four? Our experts pick by Annie Costabile, Brian Hamilton, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant
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Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

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In the WNBA’s first-ever winner take all Game 7, the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream — clinching their first championship in just their second year in existence. How did they do it? Zena Keita, Annie Costabile, and very special guest — Valkyries star, Kiah Stokes — break down what happened on both sides of the ball, from Finals MVP Gabby Williams’ historic night to how the pressure of “Valkatraz” kept Angel Reese to just 8 points; plus, the impact of the vibes inside Ballhalla on a Halloween that won’t soon be forgotten - and former Golden State Warriors center, Festus Ezeli, stops by to comment on the game.

REFERENCES:

How did the Golden State Valkyries make history, fast-track their way to WNBA title in 2 years? by Annie Costabile and Brian Hamilton
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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The championship will be decided in Game 7! With their season on the line, the Atlanta Dream came out firing in Game 6, taking down the Golden State Valkyries 80–69 to force a winner-take-all showdown in the WNBA Finals. Zena Keita, Annie and Sabreena break down how Atlanta kept its title hopes alive and what we can expect from a historic Game 7.

REFERENCES:
Atlanta Dream force first WNBA Finals Game 7 by decimating Golden State Valkyries by Annie Costabile
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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YT: @No-Offseason
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The Golden State Valkyries are ONE win away from a championship! Zena and Annie are LIVE from Ballhalla after Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, breaking down how Golden State took control with a dominant defensive performance and moved within reach of the title.

They dive into Kia Stokes’ game-changing night, the Valkyries’ adjustments against Angel Reese, and Veronica Burton’s growing impact on both ends of the floor. Plus, what went wrong for Atlanta, and what do the Dream need to change to keep their championship hopes alive?

REFERENCES:

Valkyries on verge of clinching WNBA Finals title after beating Dream in Game 5 by Sabreena Merchant
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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.