No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben begin with a check-in on the CBA negotiations, explaining what a work stoppage and a status quo period really mean for players and the league. Then they turn to the Power Four conferences, breaking down whether the Big 12 has multiple teams capable of making a deep tournament run, what it will take to turn the ACC around, which SEC programs are on the rise, and who’s emerging as the contender for No. 2 in the Big Ten. The crew highlights the drama and challenges teams face as the season unfolds.Plus, we reflect on our early days in journalism, sharing personal anecdotes to inspire the next generation of reporters.REFERENCES: WNBA, players union remain in CBA deadlock. Could a player strike or lockout happen? by Ben Pickman LSU women’s basketball stumbled to an 0-2 SEC start. Will Kim Mulkey’s squad recover? by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben kick off 2026 by recapping two wild weeks of conference play. From undefeated teams falling to surprise wins across the board, the crew breaks down their biggest takeaways from the action. Then they turn their attention to Year 2 of Unrivaled, exploring how the league has grown from its inaugural year. With new faces, bigger teams, and an added night of competition, they dig into who’s ready to shine, who’s poised to win , and how success is being defined in Year 2.Plus, we finish strong with our Unrivaled Award Predictions!REFERENCES: Napheesa Collier to miss Unrivaled season and possible WNBA start after ankle surgeries by Ben Pickman What to know about Unrivaled women’s basketball league as its second season tips off by Ben Pickman__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben wrap up the year with a celebration of women’s basketball—breaking down the top duo of 2025, standout performances, teams that showed up big, and their favorite reporting moments— before turning their attention to things to look forward to in 2026.REFERENCES: 2025 winners vs. losers: Which women’s basketball stars deserve gifts? Who gets coal? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re diving into the mailbag to tackle your biggest questions about women’s basketball. What lies ahead for the CBA negotiations? How can fans show their support for WNBA players? What’s the connection between NCAAW programs and WNBA coaches? And which college teams that haven’t been to the NCAA Tournament in a while are poised for a turnaround? Tune in for all this, plus insights and takes you won’t want to miss!REFERENCES:2025 WNBA free agency: Which players could make the biggest moves? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben PickmanWNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources by Ben PickmanWNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBPA has authorized its executive committee to call for a strike “when necessary” amid ongoing CBA negotiations. Sabreena and Ben break down what the authorization means, the league’s response, and how perceptions of fairness in negotiations can differ from each side.Then, new Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez sits down with the duo to talk about the evolution of college basketball, his vision for the Wings, and the thrill of coaching elite talent like Paige Bueckers.Later, Zena joins the conversation to discuss what we’ve learned about Coach Fernandez and the expectations surrounding the Wings this season.Finally, we close with Set Your Screens.REFERENCES: WNBPA authorizes executive committee to call for strike ‘when necessary’ amid CBA talks by Sabreena Merchant and Ben PickmanBreanna Stewart open to NBA commissioner Adam Silver joining WNBA CBA talks by Denny Alfonso__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.