No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The rookies are making moves, and the all-time rankings are up for debate. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down why Azzi Fudd's decision to join Project B and Flau’jae Johnson's move to Unrivaled could shape the next chapter of their careers. Then, the trio takes on the ultimate WNBA debate, ranking the league's greatest players across 30 seasons while weighing Finals MVPs, superstar impact, and the legacies of icons like A'ja Wilson, Candace Parker, and Maya Moore.

To close out —each host unveils their all-time WNBA fantasy starting five.

REFERENCES:

Azzi Fudd chooses to play for Project B over Unrivaled in offseason by Annie Costabile

Seattle Storm rookie Flau’jae Johnson to join Unrivaled by Annie Coastabile

WNBA power rankings: Will the Los Angeles Sparks harness momentum after historic game? by Sabreena Merchant

Ranking WNBA’s top 30 stars through 30 years: Catchings, Taurasi, Wilson, Stewart and more by Sabreena Merchant

Sparks star Nneka Ogwumike ends WNBA 30th anniversary game with stunning buzzer-beater by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

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The WNBA is in the midst of a breakout era, drawing unprecedented attention and momentum across the league. In this episode, Swin Cash joins Sabreena and Annie for a timely conversation on the game’s rapid evolution—from intentional pathways for hiring women coaches and Olivia Miles turning heads on the court, to her role in the WNBA’s equity stake sale and her perspective on veteran recognition payments.

Swin also shares which team she’d love to play for if she were still in the league today.

Plus, a quick update on All-Star fan voting, along with Nike unveiling the first look at Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe.

REFERENCES:

WNBA headed for 50-game schedule next season by Annie Costabile

A’ja Wilson first, Caitlin Clark fifth among fan votes for WNBA All-Star Game in early returns by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costiable

Liberty to host Aces in WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship rematch by Sabreena Merchant

Caitlin Clark’s sneaker image released by Nike, due for sale on Oct. 1 by Jason Jones

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Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

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YT: @No-Offseason
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The WNBA has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ inclusion, thanks to years of advocacy and evolving league culture. Zena and Layshia take a deep dive into the history of the WNBA’s support for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during Pride Month. They discuss the challenges of representation in marketing, noting that campaigns often highlight feminine identities while leaving out a broader range of LGBTQ+ experiences. The conversation also explores how Pride can be celebrated in more authentic ways that go beyond marketing and create meaningful connections with fans and players alike.

REFERENCES:

WNBA HISTORY PAGE CLIP

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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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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.

REFERENCES:

Why are Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston such a strong duo? Just check Fever’s OT win over Sky By James Boyd

Satou Sabally’s bench production lifts New York Liberty to victory against Atlanta Dream by Annie Costabile

Liberty clinch spot in Commissioner’s Cup final, contemplate following Knicks’ title pathby Annie Costabile

WNBA power rankings: Liberty's Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones aren't at peaks, yet still dominating 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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YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.