No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The participants for the WNBA All-Star Three-Point Contest are officially set, and rookie Azzi Fudd is the lone first-year player in the field. Zena and Annie break down the competition, discuss the favorites, and examine which notable names won't be competing.

Then, the conversation shifts into the growing arms race around WNBA facilities—why teams like the Lynx and Aces are raising the bar, what it means for organizations still playing catch-up like the Sky, and how better facilities are becoming a critical part of player recruitment, performance, and trust as the league pushes toward new standards by 2028.

Then, to close out the show, it's all about fun as Zena quizzes Annie with a round of Chicago sports trivia.

REFERENCES:

Wings’ Azzi Fudd headlines 3-point contest field at WNBA All-Star Weekend by Sabreena
Merchant

Amid tension, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert meets with players by Annie Costabile

Napheesa Collier has double-double in season debut for Lynx by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile
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Words matter—and sometimes they can ignite a league-wide conversation. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena unpack the controversy surrounding Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello's comments about Angel Reese, exploring the role of context, intent, impact, and the broader conversations about race and language in sports. The crew also examines the evolving leadership dynamic between Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert and how much oversight Adam Silver has on the WNBA. Plus, we break down Caitlin Clark's record-setting performance, the Golden State Valkyries' impressive winning streak, and what's behind the New York Liberty's recent struggles.

Finally, we close the show with one of our favorite games: Two Takes and a Fake.

REFERENCES:

Tempo coach suspended after calling Angel Reese ‘protected species’ during game by Sabreena Merchant

Angel Reese thanks Tempo’s Sandy Brondello, WNBA for response to coach’s offensive remark by Annie Costabile

Chicago Sky defer opening of new practice facility again, cite updated interior plans by Annie Costabile

WNBA power rankings: Will the New York Liberty eventually find their groove? by Sabreena Merchant

Caitlin Clark tallies 45 points to break Fever scoring record in comeback win over Storm by James Boyd
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Who's worth every penny—and who's getting paid too much? Sabreena and Annie break down the WNBA's biggest bargains and most debated contracts, discussing which players are outperforming their deals, who's falling short, and how the league's new salary cap is changing the way teams build their rosters.

The duo also reacts to the WNBA All-Star rosters, A'ja Wilson and Lauren Betts bringing home ESPY honors, and discusses the latest travel issues that significantly impacted game schedules.

Plus, they wrap up with the must-watch matchups to keep an eye on this weekend.

REFERENCES:

It’s Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers as WNBA All-Star rosters are set 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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We're at the midpoint of the WNBA season, which means it's time to hand out our midseason awards. From MVP and Most Improved Player to Coach of the Year, Sixth Player of the Year, and even Press Conference of the Year, Zena and Sabreena make the case for the league's top contenders. They discuss who's leading each race, who's making a late push, and which awards are still wide open.

The duo also dives into the NCAA's proposed move to seed the top 16 teams in the women's basketball tournament, breaking down how the changes would reshape the bracket and how they differ from last season's format.

Plus, have you noticed all the early morning WNBA tipoffs? Zena and Sabreena explain why they're happening and what they mean for players, fans, and the league.

REFERENCES:

Our MVP, and other midseason awards. Plus: Change is coming in L.A. by Annie Costabile and 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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The Los Angeles Sparks surprised the WNBA world Sunday with a midseason move to “part ways” with general manager Raegan Pebley. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena unpack the reasoning and timing of this decision and what this means for the rest of the Sparks’ 2026 season. What is Kelsey Plum’s future approaching the trade deadline? How will the Sparks’ front office function going forward?

The trio also break down game action from this past weekend and the results that led to dramatic changes in Sabreena’s Scale.

Plus: What’s the craziest reason you’ve missed work? Zena and Sabreena surprise Annie with an all-time calendar conflict.

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7441836/2026/07/13/wnba-power-rankings-toronto-tempo-canada/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7440952/2026/07/12/raegan-pebley-los-angeles-sparks/

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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.