No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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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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

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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

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YT: @No-Offseason
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Indiana Fever forward Monique Billings joins Zena and Layshia for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and her journey with the Fever. Monique shares insights on staying true to yourself, overcoming challenges, and the importance of leadership in building strong teams. She also discusses life under the WNBA's CBA, and her transition into media and broadcasting. Throughout the conversation, Monique reflects on her gratitude for the growing opportunities available to both herself and her fellow athletes.

REFERENCES:

Caitlin Clark, Stephanie White downplay viral argument: ‘It’s coaching’ by James Boyd

Caitlin Clark is always under a microscope. Handling it is big part of Stephanie White’s job 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.

Expansion teams making the playoffs? Tanking in the WNBA? Coaches on the hot seat? Zena, Annie, and Sabreena are diving into their hottest early-season WNBA takes. The crew is dishing out half-baked predictions and bold declarations. Will these takes come true? Only time will tell. Until then, we're embracing the uncertainty and delivering our most unapologetic WNBA hot takes.

REFERENCES:

WNBA power rankings: How are Minnesota Lynx on top despite so many injuries? by Sabreena Merchant

Caitlin Clark, Stephanie White downplay viral argument: ‘It’s coaching’ 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.