No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

This season, the WNBA introduced developmental player roster spots for every team, creating new opportunities for emerging talent across the league. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down the intricacies of developmental player contracts and roster rules, while exploring the strategic decisions teams face when investing in player development, and spotlight some of the league's most intriguing developmental players. They also discuss why these opportunities—and the experience that comes with them—could play a critical role in shaping the future of the WNBA.

No Offseason is hosted by Zena Keita, with Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Layshia Clarendon and Annie Costabile

It’s produced by Taneka Burrell.

Our executive producer is Andrea B. Scott.

Monica Compton is our video editor.

Our theme music is by Marcus Bagala.

Shannon Ryan is Managing Editor of Women’s Basketball at The Athletic.
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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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WNBA All-Star voting season is here. Sabreena and Annie dive into the factors shaping this year's selections, highlighting first-time candidates, unquestioned locks, and the players fighting for the final spots. They also explore the growing competitiveness of the All-Star Game and why financial incentives have made earning a roster spot more meaningful than ever.

REFERENCES:

Trump has not extended White House invitation to 2025 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, team says 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
IG: @tanooffseason
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the WNBA celebrates its landmark 30th season, the league's momentum has never been stronger. NBC Sports broadcaster Zora Stephenson joins Zena and Layshia for an in-depth conversation on the explosive growth of women's basketball, the unprecedented parity across the league, and what it takes to succeed in today's game.

From standout rookies and player development to the teams turning heads this season, they unpack the biggest storylines shaping the future of the WNBA. Plus, Zora takes listeners behind the scenes, sharing unique insights into what sets the WNBA apart and why the league's rise is only accelerating.

REFERENCES:

Olivia Miles may have gone No. 2, but the Lynx are now indisputably No. 1 by Sabreena Merchant

On Angel Reese’s big night back in Chicago, everyone has moved on — except the fans by Brian Hamilton

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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.

Coaching trees in the WNBA have had a major impact across the league’s 30-season history. In this episode, Zena and Annie explore the coaching legacies that continue to shape the game today, focusing on influential figures such as Dan Hughes, Bill Laimbeer, Cheryl Reeve, and Becky Hammon. They discuss how these coaches have left a lasting imprint on modern coaching styles, blending old-school fundamentals with contemporary strategies. The conversation also highlights how their approaches to roster building and player fit have helped define team success and evolve the way the game is coached in the WNBA.

REFERENCES:

WNBA power rankings: Can the L.A. Sparks find cohesion to reach the 2026 playoffs? by Sabreena Mercant

Liberty’s Breanna Stewart scores 30, helps New York rally past Indiana Fever 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
TikTok: @no_offseason
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several offseason acquisitions are already making their presence felt around the league. Sabreena and Annie break down why Gabby Williams is thriving in Golden State, how Jessica Shepherd has strengthened Dallas, and what’s next for Angel Reese as she settles into her evolving role in Atlanta. They also explore the importance of players embracing roles that best serve team success, as well as the value of establishing a clear team identity.

REFERENCES:

$500,000 is now on the line. Plus: The WNBA lottery is just fine by Annie Costabile and Sabreena Merchant

Can the New York Liberty get back to the top? They know it’ll require overtaking the Aces by Annie Costabile

Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark lead Fever over Dream in Commissioner’s Cup opener by James Boyd

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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
TikTok: @no_offseason
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.