No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Chantel and Annie react to the U.S. capturing its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup gold medal, breaking down how Team USA overcame the challenges of the gold medal game and what ultimately made the difference in another championship run.

The duo also spotlight Sue Bird’s leadership as Managing Director of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team and the impact she has had on a program that continues to set the standard on the international stage.

They also break down Breanna Stewart’s standout performance and leadership, while also highlighting the contributions of the roster’s “young and turnt” group and the veterans who stepped up when Team USA needed them most.

With another gold medal secured, the duo looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and explores how USA Basketball will balance its emerging young stars with the veteran leaders who have set the standard.

REFERENCES:

Team USA takes down France for fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal by Annie Costabile

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With a spot in Sunday’s gold medal game on the line, Chantel and Annie preview Team USA’s highly anticipated World Cup semifinal against Spain. They break down Spain’s strengths, the challenges this matchup presents and what the U.S. will need to do to keep its championship run alive.

The duo also look ahead to Sunday’s gold medal game and who could be waiting for Team USA if the U.S. advances.

REFERENCES:

Team USA moves on to World Cup semifinals after blowout win over Hungary by Annie Costabile

Team USA helped raise the bar on worldwide competition. Now it must stay ahead by Chantel Jennings
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Team USA is finding its footing at the World Cup, while one of the most iconic stories in women’s basketball gets the documentary treatment. We kick things off with Chantel and Annie breaking down Team USA’s World Cup run, taking a closer look at their matchups against China, Italy and Czechia. They examine the team’s evolving chemistry, the challenges it has faced and the players emerging as leaders.

Then, Annie and Sabreena go behind the scenes of The Dynasty: UConn Huskies with co-directors Matthew Hamachek and Erica Sashin. They reveal what went into capturing the history and legacy of UConn women’s basketball, from the complexities of telling Geno Auriemma’s story to his relationships with players like Paige Bueckers. The directors also open up about their creative process, building trust with their subjects and finding the emotional moments that helped shape the series.

REFERENCES:

Team USA dominates China to open FIBA Women’s World Cup by Jenna West

Team USA struggles and survives World Cup scare from Italy by Chantel Jennings

Team USA bounces back from rough outing by dominating Czechia by Sabreena Merchant
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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Chantel, Annie and Sabreena go LIVE to discuss WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s tenure coming to an end after the 2026 season. They look back at Engelbert’s impact on the league, as well as the biggest moments and challenges of her tenure. Plus, they discuss potential candidates who could be in the mix to become the WNBA’s next commissioner.

REFERENCES:

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert retiring at end of 2026 by Annie Costabile

Who should be the next WNBA commissioner? Potential candidates to replace Cathy Engelbert by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

Cathy Engelbert did her job. Now the WNBA needs a true visionary as commissioner by Brian Hamilton

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French talent is making a major impact in the WNBA — and now some of those same players could stand in Team USA’s way at the FIBA World Cup. Sabreena and Annie are joined by Eden Laase to break down the growing pipeline of French players to the WNBA, what’s made the league an increasingly attractive destination, and whether that experience could help France pull off a World Cup upset.

Before Eden joins, Sabreena and Annie discuss the latest developments surrounding Kate Koval’s departure from LSU following the program’s recruitment of a Russian player, which left Koval without a new landing spot as the NCAA transfer window closed before she could make her move. They also break down the passport issue that has kept Li Yueru from playing for Team China, before turning to Satou Sabally being ruled out for the remainder of the season and what that could mean for her future and the New York Liberty.

Finally, the trio look beyond Team USA and France to preview the rest of the FIBA World Cup field, highlighting the teams and players they’ll be watching closely throughout the tournament.

REFERENCES:

Ukrainian center Kate Koval details leaving LSU after recruitment of Russian player by Annie Costabile and Chantel Jennings

Wings center Li Yueru can’t play with China in World Cup due to lost passport by Sabreena Merchant

The WNBA has experienced a French influence. It could also cause chaos in the World Cup by Eden Laase

What to know about Team USA and the World Cup women's basketball field as play begins 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.